TSC2 is a GAP for Rheb; loss of TSC2 raises Rheb-GTP and constitutively activates mTOR.
| Evidence tier | D Mechanistic / in vitro / review |
| Study type | 5 - Mechanistic / In Vitro |
| Model system | In vitro; Drosophila |
| Journal | Genes & development |
| Year | 2003 |
| Peer reviewed | Yes |
| Source | DOI 10.1101/gad.1110003 · PMID 12869586 · Free full text (PMC196227) |
Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) is a genetic disease caused by mutation in either TSC1 or TSC2. The TSC1 and TSC2 gene products form a functional complex and inhibit phosphorylation of S6K and 4EBP1. These functions of TSC1/TSC2 are likely mediated by mTOR. Here we report that TSC2 is a GTPase-activating protein (GAP) toward Rheb, a Ras family GTPase. Rheb stimulates phosphorylation of S6K and 4EBP1. This function of Rheb is blocked by rapamycin and dominant-negative mTOR. Rheb stimulates the phosphorylation of mTOR and plays an essential role in regulation of S6K and 4EBP1 in response to nutrients and cellular energy status. Our data demonstrate that Rheb acts downstream of TSC1/TSC2 and upstream of mTOR to regulate cell growth.
| Intervention | Biochemical/genetic (TSC2 GAP activity toward Rheb) |
| Target | Rheb / TSC2 / mTOR |
| Model | In vitro; Drosophila |
| Effect | TSC2 is a GAP for Rheb; Rheb-GTP activates mTOR/S6K/4EBP1 (rapamycin-sensitive) |