Mechanistic Target Of Rapamycin Complex 2 (mTORC2)

The mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2) is a large, multi-protein kinase complex that plays a central role in regulating cell proliferation, survival, metabolism, and cytoskeletal organization. It is one of two distinct complexes formed by the mTOR kinase and is characterized by its insensitivity to acute rapamycin treatment. mTORC2 responds primarily to growth factors via PI3K signaling pathways but can also be activated under stress conditions such as nutrient limitation.

Other names

mTOR complex 2mTORC2 complex

mTORC2 is a kinase complex. It phosphorylates Akt/PKB at S473 and S450, which is critical for full Akt activation. It also regulates IGF-I receptor (IGF‑IR), insulin receptor (InsR), and serum/glucocorticoid-induced protein kinase SGK1. It modulates actin cytoskeleton dynamics via F-actin stress fibers formation involving paxillin, RhoA, Rac1, Cdc42, and PKCα.