CNIO experts identify an oncogene regulated by nutrients

(Centro Nacional de Investigaciones Oncologicas (CNIO)) In response to nutrient excess, the MCRS1 protein acts as a 'switch' for mTOR, a protein that is altered in cancer, diabetes and disorders associated with aging. The results correlate with increased MCRS1 protein levels in samples taken from patients with colorectal cancer. Blocking this protein may prove to be an effective treatment for cancer or other diseases associated with mTOR alterations.