The protein complex mTORC1 promotes muscle growth. However,
should this complex remain constantly active, it impairs the ability of the
cells to self-clean, causing myopathy. Scientists working with Markus Rüegg,
Professor at the Biozentrum, University of Basel, describe the exact mechanism
involved in the current issue of the scientific journal “Cell Metabolism“.
Similarly to parts in a machine, individual components of a
cell wear out with time. For a cell to remain healthy, malfunctioning
components and waste products must be regularly disposed of or recycled. A
cellular self-cleaning process, called autophagy, is responsible for this.