MTOR-associated protein MEAK7 (MEAK7)

MTOR-associated protein MEAK7 (MEAK7) is a lysosome-associated TLDc-domain-containing regulatory protein that plays a critical role in activating an alternative mTOR signaling pathway in mammalian cells, particularly cancer cells[1][2][3][4]. MEAK7 promotes cellular proliferation and migration by facilitating the recruitment of mTOR to lysosomes, where it interacts with mLST8 but not canonical mTORC1/2 partners, and selectively activates S6K2 and represses 4E-BP1 phosphorylation, driving protein synthesis and cell growth[1][2]. MEAK7 also binds and regulates the V-ATPase proton pump, possibly acting as a signaling adaptor or modulator, although its exact impact on V-ATPase function is not fully established[3][4]. Overexpression of MEAK7 is linked to poor prognosis and therapy resistance in several cancers, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic target and biomarker[2]. There are no drugs or inhibitors directly targeting MEAK7, but the downstream pathway may be susceptible to mTOR pathway inhibitors[2].

Other names

KIAA1609TLDC1mEAK-7TBC/LysM-associated domain-containing protein 1TLD domain-containing protein 1mammalian EAK-7EAK7eak-7 homolog

Drugs targeting mTOR or downstream effectors (S6K, 4E-BP1) may indirectly impact MEAK7-dependent signaling[2]. No known drugs specifically inhibit or modulate MEAK7 itself.