Rapamycin-insensitive companion of mammalian target of rapamycin (RICTOR)

Rapamycin-insensitive companion of mammalian target of rapamycin (RICTOR) is an essential protein subunit of the mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2), distinct from mTORC1 by its resistance to inhibition by rapamycin. RICTOR acts as a scaffold, facilitating the assembly and stability of mTORC2, which includes mTOR, mSIN1, and other regulatory proteins. mTORC2, through RICTOR, phosphorylates and activates several AGC kinase family members—most notably AKT (protein kinase B), PKC isoforms, and SGK1—regulating a diverse spectrum of biological processes such as growth, cytoskeleton reorganization, metabolism, and survival. mTORC2/RICTOR signaling has been implicated in multiple disease contexts, chiefly cancer and metabolic disorders, due to its central role in AKT activation and glucose metabolism. RICTOR does not possess catalytic activity itself but is vital for mTORC2 integrity and substrate specificity[1][2][3][4][5].

Other names

RICTORRPTOR independent companion of MTOR complex 2Rapamycin-insensitive companion of mTORmKIAA1851

Inhibition or degradation of mTORC2 components, including RICTOR, blocks downstream AKT activation[1][3].