Surviving energetic stress with mTORC2

Cell Biology The roles and regulation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 2 (mTORC2), a multiprotein complex that contains the kinase mTOR in association with rictor, have been enigmatic. Kazyken et al. identified the energy sensor adenosine monophosphate–activated protein kinase (AMPK) as a kinase that phosphorylated and activated mTORC2 (see the Focus by Jacinto). Activation of AMPK by energetic stress stimulated mTORC2 and its substrate Akt, thereby promoting cell survival. These results may help to explain why AMPK, which is typically thought of as a tumor suppressor, can act as a promoter of tumor growth in some contexts. Sci. Signal. 12 , eaav3249, eaax5855 (2019).