Question

Paper: TSC2 is phosphorylated and inhibited by Akt and suppresses mTOR signalling

Describe the motivation and the purpose of this study, including the researcher’s hypothesis. Briefly describe what was known about S6K and 4E-EP1 kinase activity in the regulation of human tumors. How will the findings of this study contribute to what is known about TSC1 and TSC2?

Answer 1

The motivation and purpose of the study is to study the molecular mechanisms of TSC2 which play a vital role in regulation of insulin, to study the tumor suppressing behaviour and the inhibition of cell growth.

The paper deals with the disease Tuberous Sclerosis (TSC). This disease is an autoimmune disease and gives rose to hemaratamas in the human body. Mutation in the gene of Tuberous Sclerosis which are TSC1 and TSC2 gives rise to the disease. The mutated gene causes inhibition in the p70 ribosomal protein S6 kinase which is the activator of translation. Second, it causes activation in the eukaryotic initiation factor 4E binding protein which is a inhibitor of translation. Therefore, as a end result the translation is inhibited by inhibiting the mTOR gene( mammallian target of rapamycin). On the other hand protein kinase B also referred to as Akt plays an important role in phosphorylation of the TSC2. The phosphorylation of the gene will prevent the mTOR gene from getting inhibited.