Leucine (symbol Leu or L) is an essential amino acid that is used in the biosynthesis of proteins. Leucine is an α-amino acid, meaning it contains an α-amino group (which is in the protonated −NH3+ form under biological conditions), an α-carboxylic acid group (which is in the deprotonated −COO− form under biological conditions), and a side chain isobutyl group, making it a non-polar aliphatic amino acid. It is essential in humans, meaning the body cannot synthesize it: it must be obtained from the diet. Human dietary sources are foods that contain protein, such as meats, dairy products, soy products, and beans and other legumes. It is encoded by the codons UUA, UUG, CUU, CUC, CUA, and CUG.
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), previously referred to as the mammalian target of rapamycin, and sometimes called FK506-binding protein 12-rapamycin-associated protein 1 (FRAP1), is a kinase that in humans is encoded by the MTOR gene. mTOR is a member of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinase family of protein kinases.
Leucyl aminopeptidases are enzymes that preferentially catalyze the hydrolysis of leucine residues at the N-terminus of peptides and proteins. Other N-terminal residues can also be cleaved, however. LAPs have been found across superkingdoms. Identified LAPs include human LAP, bovine lens LAP, porcine LAP, Escherichia coli LAP, and the solanaceous-specific acidic LAP (LAP-A) in tomato.
Ribose-phosphate diphosphokinase is an enzyme that converts ribose 5-phosphate into phosphoribosyl pyrophosphate (PRPP). It is classified under EC 2.7.6.1.
In enzymology, an isoleucine-tRNA ligase is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction
In enzymology, a leucine-tRNA ligase is an enzyme that catalyzes the chemical reaction
Lysyl-tRNA synthetase is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the KARS gene.
Bifunctional aminoacyl-tRNA synthetase is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the EPRS gene.
Histidyl-tRNA synthetase (HARS) also known as histidine-tRNA ligase, is an enzyme which in humans is encoded by the HARS gene.
Arginyl-tRNA synthetase, cytoplasmic is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the RARS gene.
Aminoacyl tRNA synthetase complex-interacting multifunctional protein 2 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the AIMP2 gene.
Leucyl-tRNA synthetase, cytoplasmic is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the LARS gene.
Probable leucyl-tRNA synthetase, mitochondrial is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the LARS2 gene.
Rapamycin-insensitive companion of mammalian target of rapamycin (RICTOR) is a protein that in humans is encoded by the RICTOR gene.
ULK1 is an enzyme that in humans is encoded by the ULK1 gene.
mTORC1, also known as mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 or mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1, is a protein complex that functions as a nutrient/energy/redox sensor and controls protein synthesis.
mTOR Complex 2 (mTORC2) is a rapamycin-insensitive protein complex formed by serine/threonine kinase mTOR that regulates cell proliferation and survival, cell migration and cytoskeletal remodeling. The complex itself is rather large, consisting of seven protein subunits. The catalytic mTOR subunit, DEP domain containing mTOR-interacting protein (DEPTOR), mammalian lethal with sec-13 protein 8, and TTI1/TEL2 complex are shared by both mTORC2 and mTORC1. Rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTOR (RICTOR), mammalian stress-activated protein kinase interacting protein 1 (mSIN1), and protein observed with rictor 1 and 2 (Protor1/2) can only be found mTORC2. Rictor has been shown to be the scaffold protein for substrate binding to mTORC2.
Dr. Kim Sunghoon is a South Korean biologist.
XL-388 is a drug which acts as a potent and selective inhibitor of both subtypes of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), mTORC1 and mTORC2. It is being researched for the treatment of various forms of cancer, and has also been used to demonstrate a potential application for mTOR inhibitors in the treatment of neuropathic pain.
Torin-1 is a drug which was one of the first non-rapalog derived inhibitors of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) subtypes mTORC1 and mTORC2. In animal studies it has anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, and anti-aging properties, and shows activity against neuropathic pain.
