Role of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 in primary and secondary liver cancer

Joechle K, Cramer T, Neumann UP, Lang SA, Guenzle J, Hellerbrand C, Strnad P (2021)

Publication Type: Journal article

Publication year: 2021

Journal

World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology Baishideng Publishing Group Co. Limited

Book Volume: 13

Pages Range: 1632-1647

Journal Issue: 11

DOI: 10.4251/wjgo.v13.i11.1632

Abstract

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) acts in two structurally and functionally distinct protein complexes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2). Upon deregulation, activated mTOR signaling is associated with multiple processes involved in tumor growth and metastasis. Compared with mTORC1, much less is known about mTORC2 in cancer, mainly because of the unavailability of a selective inhibitor. However, existing data suggest that mTORC2 with its two distinct subunits Rictor and mSin1 might play a more important role than assumed so far. It is one of the key effectors of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway and stimulates cell growth, cell survival, metabolism, and cytoskeletal organization. It is not only implicated in tumor progression, metastasis, and the tumor microenvironment but also in resistance to therapy. Rictor, the central subunit of mTORC2, was found to be upregulated in different kinds of cancers and is associated with advanced tumor stages and a bad prognosis. Moreover, AKT, the main downstream regulator of mTORC2/Rictor, is one of the most highly activated proteins in cancer. Primary and secondary liver cancer are major problems for current cancer therapy due to the lack of specific medical treatment, emphasizing the need for further therapeutic options. This review, therefore, summarizes the role of mTORC2/Rictor in cancer, with special focus on primary liver cancer but also on liver metastases.

Authors with CRIS profile

Claus Hellerbrand Professur für Biochemie und Molekulare Pathobiologie

Involved external institutions

Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule (RWTH) Aachen DE Germany (DE) Universitätsklinikum Freiburg DE Germany (DE)

How to cite

APA:

Joechle, K., Cramer, T., Neumann, U.P., Lang, S.A., Guenzle, J., Hellerbrand, C., & Strnad, P. (2021). Role of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 in primary and secondary liver cancer. World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology, 13(11), 1632-1647. https://dx.doi.org/10.4251/wjgo.v13.i11.1632

MLA:

Joechle, Katharina, et al. "Role of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 2 in primary and secondary liver cancer." World Journal of Gastrointestinal Oncology 13.11 (2021): 1632-1647.

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