Proteomic analysis reveals GIT1 as a novel mTOR complex component critical for mediating astrocyte survival

Genes Dev. 2016 Jun 15;30(12):1383-8. doi: 10.1101/gad.279661.116.

Abstract

As a critical regulator of cell growth, the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) protein operates as part of two molecularly and functionally distinct complexes. Herein, we demonstrate that mTOR complex molecular composition varies in different somatic tissues. In astrocytes and neural stem cells, we identified G-protein-coupled receptor kinase-interacting protein 1 (GIT1) as a novel mTOR-binding protein, creating a unique mTOR complex lacking Raptor and Rictor. Moreover, GIT1 binding to mTOR is regulated by AKT activation and is essential for mTOR-mediated astrocyte survival. Together, these data reveal that mTOR complex function is partly dictated by its molecuflar composition in different cell types.

Keywords: GIT1; astrocytes; brain; mTOR.

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics*
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Astrocytes / cytology*
  • Astrocytes / physiology*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / genetics*
  • Cell Cycle Proteins / metabolism*
  • Cell Survival / genetics
  • Cells, Cultured
  • Enzyme Activation
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / genetics*
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / metabolism*
  • Gene Expression Regulation
  • Gene Knockdown Techniques
  • HEK293 Cells
  • Humans
  • Mice
  • Neurofibromin 1 / genetics
  • Neurofibromin 1 / metabolism
  • Protein Binding
  • Proteomics
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt / metabolism
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / genetics
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Cell Cycle Proteins
  • GIT1 protein, human
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins
  • Git1 protein, mouse
  • Neurofibromin 1
  • MTOR protein, human
  • mTOR protein, mouse
  • Proto-Oncogene Proteins c-akt
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases