Rheb is an essential regulator of S6K controlling cell growth downstream of TSC in Drosophila.
| Evidence tier | D Mechanistic / in vitro / review |
| Study type | 5 - Mechanistic / In Vitro |
| Model system | Drosophila |
| Journal | Nature cell biology |
| Year | 2003 |
| Peer reviewed | Yes |
| Source | DOI 10.1038/ncb995 · PMID 12766775 |
Understanding the mechanisms through which multicellular organisms regulate cell, organ and body growth is of relevance to developmental biology and to research on growth-related diseases such as cancer. Here we describe a new effector in growth control, the small GTPase Rheb (Ras homologue enriched in brain). Mutations in the Drosophila melanogaster Rheb gene were isolated as growth-inhibitors, whereas overexpression of Rheb promoted cell growth. Our genetic and biochemical analyses suggest that Rheb functions downstream of the tumour suppressors Tsc1 (tuberous sclerosis 1)-Tsc2 in the TOR (target of rapamycin) signalling pathway to control growth, and that a major effector of Rheb function is ribosomal S6 kinase (S6K).
| Intervention | Genetic (Rheb mutants/overexpression) |
| Target | Rheb / S6K / TOR |
| Model | Drosophila |
| Effect | Rheb is an essential regulator of S6K controlling cell growth in Drosophila |