Molecular switch that activates cell growth signaling may offer more precise route for anticancer therapy

by The Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST)

edited by Sadie Harley , reviewed by Robert Egan

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Add as preferred source Schematic model of mTORC1 activation by LARS1 phosphorylation. Amino acid stimulation induces LARS1 phosphorylation, causing LARS1 to dissociate from the multi-tRNA synthetase complex (MSC) and activate mTORC1, ultimately promoting cell growth and proliferation. Credit: KAIST Cells carry their own growth switches. When enough nutrients—amino acids in particular—are available, cells flip this switch on and begin to grow. Researchers at KAIST and Yonsei University have uncovered the molecular mechanism by which amino acid signals activate this cellular growth switch. The findings are expected to open a new avenue for anticancer therapies that target abnormal growth signaling in tumor cells.