GPCR signaling inhibits mTORC1 via PKA phosphorylation of Raptor

Elife. 2019 May 21:8:e43038. doi: 10.7554/eLife.43038.

Abstract

The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) regulates cell growth, metabolism, and autophagy. Extensive research has focused on pathways that activate mTORC1 like growth factors and amino acids; however, much less is known about signaling cues that directly inhibit mTORC1 activity. Here, we report that G-protein coupled receptors (GPCRs) paired to Gαs proteins increase cyclic adenosine 3'5' monophosphate (cAMP) to activate protein kinase A (PKA) and inhibit mTORC1. Mechanistically, PKA phosphorylates the mTORC1 component Raptor on Ser 791, leading to decreased mTORC1 activity. Consistently, in cells where Raptor Ser 791 is mutated to Ala, mTORC1 activity is partially rescued even after PKA activation. Gαs-coupled GPCRs stimulation leads to inhibition of mTORC1 in multiple cell lines and mouse tissues. Our results uncover a signaling pathway that directly inhibits mTORC1, and suggest that GPCRs paired to Gαs proteins may be potential therapeutic targets for human diseases with hyperactivated mTORC1.

Keywords: cancer biology; cancer cells; cell biology; cells; human; mouse.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases / metabolism*
  • Humans
  • Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 / antagonists & inhibitors*
  • Phosphorylation
  • Protein Processing, Post-Translational*
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
  • Regulatory-Associated Protein of mTOR / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction*

Substances

  • RPTOR protein, human
  • Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
  • Regulatory-Associated Protein of mTOR
  • Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1
  • Cyclic AMP-Dependent Protein Kinases