An integrated and disease-oriented growth factor-regulated signal transduction network.

The importance of Akt, Erk, and their downstream effectors-mediated signaling is indisputable for the proliferation of cell. Growth factor-induced activation of Akt and Erk pathways interacts with each other to regulate proliferation. However, an instructive model, wiring the crucial signaling nodes working in cellular growth and division, is still absent or controversial. Although growth factor-mediated mTORC1 regulation is defined considerably, debates still exist formTORC2. TSC1-TSC2 complex integrates both nutrient and mitogenic signals coming from growth factor receptors. Growth factor-induced PI3K/Akt- and Ras/Erk-mediated TSC2 inhibition is well defined. However, the interaction between TSC complex and new molecules such as Pin1 and DAPK requires further clarifications. Furthermore, the Wnt-β-catenin signaling pathway also intersects with the growth factor signaling at TSC1/TSC2 junction. Therefore, the aim of this perspective paper is to suggest an integrated model, linking growth factor-activated crucial signaling nodes in order to supply key molecular connections to degenerative diseases.