The TSC1-TSC2 complex: a molecular switchboard controlling cell growth

Biochem J. 2008 Jun 1;412(2):179-90. doi: 10.1042/BJ20080281.

Abstract

TSC1 and TSC2 are the tumour-suppressor genes mutated in the tumour syndrome TSC (tuberous sclerosis complex). Their gene products form a complex that has become the focus of many signal transduction researchers. The TSC1-TSC2 (hamartin-tuberin) complex, through its GAP (GTPase-activating protein) activity towards the small G-protein Rheb (Ras homologue enriched in brain), is a critical negative regulator of mTORC1 (mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1). As mTORC1 activity controls anabolic processes to promote cell growth, it is exquisitely sensitive to alterations in cell growth conditions. Through numerous phosphorylation events, the TSC1-TSC2 complex has emerged as the sensor and integrator of these growth conditions, relaying signals from diverse cellular pathways to properly modulate mTORC1 activity. In the present review we focus on the molecular details of TSC1-TSC2 complex regulation and function as it relates to the control of Rheb and mTORC1.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Amino Acid Sequence
  • Animals
  • Cell Cycle / physiology
  • Cell Growth Processes*
  • Genes, Tumor Suppressor*
  • Humans
  • Insulin / metabolism
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / genetics
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I / metabolism
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism
  • Molecular Sequence Data
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / genetics
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins / metabolism
  • Neuropeptides / genetics
  • Neuropeptides / metabolism
  • Protein Kinases / genetics
  • Protein Kinases / metabolism
  • Ras Homolog Enriched in Brain Protein
  • Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinases / genetics
  • Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinases / metabolism
  • Sequence Alignment
  • Signal Transduction / physiology
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 Protein
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / genetics
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins / metabolism*

Substances

  • CRTC1 protein, human
  • Insulin
  • Intercellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Neuropeptides
  • RHEB protein, human
  • Ras Homolog Enriched in Brain Protein
  • TSC1 protein, human
  • TSC2 protein, human
  • Transcription Factors
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 1 Protein
  • Tuberous Sclerosis Complex 2 Protein
  • Tumor Suppressor Proteins
  • Insulin-Like Growth Factor I
  • Protein Kinases
  • MTOR protein, human
  • Ribosomal Protein S6 Kinases
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Monomeric GTP-Binding Proteins