Data Entry: Please note that the research database will be replaced by UNIverse by the end of October 2023. Please enter your data into the system https://universe-intern.unibas.ch. Thanks
Activating Mutations in TOR Are in Similar Structures As Oncogenic Mutations in PI3KCalpha
Journal
ACS Chemical Biology
Volume
4
Number
12
Pages / Article-Number
999-1015
Abstract
TOR (Target of Rapamycin) is a highly conserved Ser/Thr kinase and a central controller of cell growth. Using the crystal structure of the related lipid kinase PI3KCgamma, we built a model of the catalytic region of TOR, from the FAT domain to near the end of the FATC domain. The model reveals that activating mutations in TOR, identified in yeast in a genetic selection for Rheb-independence, correspond to hotspots for oncogenic mutations in PI3KCalpha. The activating mutations are in the catalytic domain (helices kalpha3, kalpha9, kalpha11) and the helical domain of TOR. Docking studies with small molecule inhibitors (PP242, NVP-BEZ235, and Ku-0063794) show that drugs currently in development utilize a novel pharmacophore space to achieve specificity. Thus, our model provides insight on the regulation of TOR and may be useful in the design of new anticancer drugs.