Exploiting and Subverting Tor Signaling in the Pathogenesis of Fungi, Parasites, and Viruses
2011
How Tor Signaling Affects Fungi, Parasites, and Viruses
publication
Evidence: moderate
Author Information
Author(s): Shertz Cecelia A., Cardenas Maria E., Heitman Joseph
Primary Institution: Duke University Medical Center
Hypothesis
How does Tor signaling influence the pathogenesis of fungi, parasites, and viruses?
Conclusion
Tor signaling plays a crucial role in the growth and pathogenicity of various fungi, parasites, and viruses.
Supporting Evidence
- Candida albicans requires cell–cell adhesion for biofilm formation, which is regulated by Tor signaling.
- Rapamycin treatment affects gene expression related to adhesion in Candida albicans.
- Tor signaling is crucial for the growth and development of the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma brucei.
- Leishmania major disrupts host mTor signaling to enhance its infectivity.
- Viruses utilize mTor-dependent translation for their protein synthesis and replication.
Takeaway
This study shows that a specific signaling pathway in cells helps fungi and parasites grow and can even help viruses infect hosts.
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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