MTOR
mTOR
mTOR is influneced by various surface receptors and channels and acts as a node of convergence downstream of the receptors and many signaling pathways including PDK1 and PI3K, and Tsc1/2. mTOR translation initiation components EIF4E and mTOR substrates colocalize postsynaptic markers. This, among other findings, suggest that mTOR can effect synaptic plasticity. Excessive protein synthesis results in plasticity and behavioral deficits in mice, which suggests that mTOR carefully modulates translation rates of other proteins responsible for synapse formation. mTOR is involved in a signaling cascade with PTEN, another gene that has been associated with ASD.1
More information about the gene and the proteins that bind its products can be found at the NCBI Entrez Gene Website
References
1.Hoeffer CA et. al. mTOR signaling: at the crossroads of plasticity, memory and disease.Trends Neurosci. 2010 Feb;33(2):67-75. PMID 19963289
