Lecture 14 - Cell signalling and ageing

Question 1

which gene in c elegans and drosophila encodes the insulin receptor?

Answer 1

Daf-2

Question 2

in c elegans and drsophila which gene is a transcriptional factor of the forkhead family (foxo)?

Answer 2

Daf-16

Question 3

in c elegans, the phosphorlyation of what by AKT causes it to degrade, inactivating longevity genes?

Answer 3

foxo/Daf-16

Question 4

which 3 diseases does FOXO promote?

Answer 4

alzheimer’s, osteoporosis, type 2 diabetes

Question 5

which type of disease does FOXO inhibit?

Answer 5

cardiovascular disease

Question 6

which 3 main signals does mTORC1 integrate?

Answer 6

levels of free amino acids, IIS signalling, energy levels (AMPK)

Question 7

mTORC1 involves which molecules?

Answer 7

mTOR, raptor, LST8, deptor

Question 8

mTORC2 involves which molecules?

Answer 8

mTOR, rictor, GBL, mSIN1, protor1/2, deptor

Question 9

small GTPase is active when GTP or GDP is bound?

Answer 9

GTP

Question 10

name the 3 molecules involved in activation of mTORC1 starting with IIS signalling

Answer 10

IIS activates AKT
AKT phosphorylates TSC2
TSC2 activates GTPase Rheb
GTPase rheb activates mTORC1

Question 11

what recruits mTORC1 to the lysosomal surface?

Answer 11

amino acids

Question 12

when AMPK interacts with …… it is phosphorylated and activates TSC2 which inhibits mTOR

Answer 12

LKB1

Question 13

a lack of LKB1 predisposes to which disease?

Answer 13

cancer

Question 14

give an example of two molecules which exhibit antagonistic pleiotrophy (good in early life, negative effect later on)

Answer 14

mTOR and FOXO

Question 15

which drug inhibits mTOR to delay ageing?

Answer 15

rapamycin

Question 16

which drug is an AMPK activator and therefore delays ageing?

Answer 16

metformin