response to rapamycin

Definition

Target type: biologicalprocess

Any process that results in a change in state or activity of a cell or an organism (in terms of movement, secretion, enzyme production, gene expression, etc.) as a result of a rapamycin stimulus. [GOC:TermGenie]

Rapamycin, a macrolide antibiotic produced by the bacterium *Streptomyces hygroscopicus*, is a potent inhibitor of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway. This pathway plays a crucial role in regulating cell growth, proliferation, survival, and metabolism.

Rapamycin exerts its effects by binding to the FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12), forming a complex that inhibits mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1). mTORC1 is a protein kinase complex responsible for phosphorylating downstream targets, including p70 ribosomal S6 kinase (S6K) and eukaryotic initiation factor 4E-binding protein 1 (4EBP1).

The inhibition of mTORC1 by rapamycin leads to a cascade of events that ultimately influence cellular processes:

* **Inhibition of protein synthesis:** Rapamycin prevents the activation of S6K, a key regulator of protein translation. This results in a decrease in protein synthesis, ultimately slowing down cell growth.
* **Suppression of cell growth and proliferation:** By inhibiting protein synthesis and mTORC1 signaling, rapamycin arrests cells in the G1 phase of the cell cycle, preventing them from dividing.
* **Induction of autophagy:** Rapamycin triggers the process of autophagy, a cellular process that involves the degradation of cellular components, including damaged organelles, misfolded proteins, and invading pathogens. This process helps cells to survive under stress conditions, such as nutrient deprivation or oxidative stress.
* **Modulation of metabolism:** Rapamycin impacts cellular metabolism by reducing the expression of lipogenic genes and promoting glucose uptake and utilization. This can contribute to the anti-diabetic effects observed in some studies.
* **Anti-inflammatory effects:** Rapamycin has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties, potentially through the modulation of cytokine production and immune cell activity.

Overall, the response to rapamycin involves a complex interplay of molecular events that impact various cellular processes. This makes rapamycin a promising therapeutic agent for a range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune disorders, and neurological conditions. However, further research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic potential and potential side effects.'
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Proteins (1)

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