Assignment 2 (Modules 4-6)
Background information: The diagram below shows the activation of mTORC1 by growth factors as already encountered in workshop 5. The activity of mTORC1 is mainly controlled by the tuberous sclerosis complex, which consists of a heterodimer of tuberin (TSC2) and hamartin (TSC1). The known function of hamartin is to stabilise tuberin. Tuberin has GAP (GTPase activating activity) towards the G-protein Rheb. Rheb is active in its GTP-bound form and activates the mTOR kinase resulting in phosphorylation of S6Kinase (S6K) and consequently ribosomal protein S6, as well as 4EBP-1, resulting in protein synthesis and cell growth. Growth factor signalling results ...
