Ragulator

Ragulator is a multi-protein E3 ubiquitin ligase complex found in mammals. It is composed of RAG1C, M1BP, and the cullin-related protein ROC1 (also known as hCUL5). This complex is named after the RAG genes, which encode proteins essential for V(D)J recombination, a process through which the immune cells generate diversity in their receptors and antibodies.

The Ragulator complex is involved in the regulation of autophagy and mTOR signaling. It has been demonstrated to play a crucial role in maintaining cellular homeostasis and responding to changes in the extracellular environment. Additionally, Ragulator has been implicated in the control of cell growth, proliferation, and survival.

Ragulator forms a complex with AMBRA1, a protein involved in the regulation of autophagy, and together they inhibit the fructose-2,6-bisphosphatase subtletof-related protein, which is a key regulator of glycolysis. This interaction suggests that Ragulator plays a role in integrating signals from the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi apparatus to modulate autophagic flux.

Aberrant expression or mutations in Ragulator genes have been associated with various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. Further research is necessary to fully understand the functions and roles of Ragulator in cellular processes and human disease. Mouse models have been extensively used to study the effects of Ragulator deficiency or overexpression on various physiological processes.