Role of Ric-8B in the regulation of mTORC2 function

• Grant number: 19/05166-0
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Master
• Start date: July 01, 2019
• End date: July 31, 2021
• Field of knowledge: Biological Sciences - Biochemistry - Molecular Biology
• Principal Investigator: Bettina Malnic
• Grantee: Victor Pereira de Sá Xavier
• Host Institution: Instituto de Química (IQ). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). São Paulo , SP, Brazil

Abstract

mTORC2 is an important protein complex that controls homeostasis, metabolism, cell growth and cell division. The mechanisms uderlying mTORC2 regulation remain however poorly understood. In previous works, we showed that mTORC2 (but not mTORC1) activation is dependent on Ric-8B expression. These results were verified both in cells knocked down (KD) for Ric-8B and in Ric-8B mutant mice. The role played by Ric-8B in mTORC2 regulation is unknown. The aim of this project is to determine the mechanisms through which Ric-8B acts in mTORC2 activation. To this, we will treat the KD cells with drugs that activate or inhibit different steps of the mTOR pathway. We also plan to identify proteins that interact with Ric-8B in this system. (AU)

Scientific publications

(References retrieved automatically from Web of Science and SciELO through information on FAPESP grants and their corresponding numbers as mentioned in the publications by the authors)

NAGAI, MAIRA H.; XAVIER, VICTOR P. S.; GUTIYAMA, LUCIANA M.; MACHADO, CLEITON F.; REIS, ALICE H.; DONNARD, ELISA R.; GALANTE, PEDRO A. F.; ABREU, JOSE G.; FESTUCCIA, WILLIAM T.; MALNIC, BETTINA. Depletion of Ric-8B leads to reduced mTORC2 activity. PLOS GENETICS, v. 16, n. 5, MAY 2020. (14/15495-8, 19/05166-0, 16/24471-0)