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mTOR, translation initiation and cancer

Abstract

Control of mRNA translation plays a fundamental role in many aspects of cell metabolism. It constitutes a critical step in the control of gene expression, and consequently cell growth, proliferation and differentiation. Translation is regulated in response to nutrient availability, hormones, mitogenic and growth factor stimulation and is coupled with cell cycle progression and cell growth. Signaling by the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway profoundly affects mRNA translation through phosphorylation of downstream targets such as 4E-BP and S6K. Inhibitors of this pathway and thus cap-dependent translation are emerging as promising therapeutic options for the treatment of cancer.

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Acknowledgements

We thank C Lister and P Kirk for their assistance. This research was supported by grants from the National Cancer Institute of Canada (NCIC), Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR) and the Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI). YM is a recipient of a fellowship from the NCIC. EP was supported by a Fellowship from the Cancer Research Society and a Chemical Biology Fellowship from McGill University. OL is a recipient of a Chemical Biology Fellowship from McGill University. NS is a CIHR distinguished scientist and an HHMI International Scholar.

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Mamane, Y., Petroulakis, E., LeBacquer, O. et al. mTOR, translation initiation and cancer. Oncogene 25, 6416–6422 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.onc.1209888

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