Project Summary The objective of the proposed research is to understand physiological functions of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway in the brain circadian (~24 h) clock, the hypothalamic suprachiasmatic nucleus (SCN). To be synchronized with the external and internal environment, gene expression in the SCN clock is regulated by an intracellular signaling network. A major gap exists in our understanding of the key signaling events that couple extracellular and intracellular signals to regulate protein synthesis (mRNA translation). mTOR is a master regulator of mRNA translation. It forms two functionally distinct branches, mTORC (mTOR complex) 1 and mTORC2. Based on our published work and unpublished preliminary data, our overall hypothesis is that mTORC1 controls mRNA translation and SCN cell synchrony, whereas mTORC2 controls circadian cytoskeleton reorganization, both of which are critical for the SCN clock function. To test the hypothesis, activities of specific mTOR components will be manipulated by genetic and pharmacological approaches. The circadian clock functions will be assessed at the molecular, cellular and animal behavioral levels using a multidisciplinary approach. Aim 1 will define the functions of the mTORC1 translation effectors S6Ks in the SCN. We hypothesize that S6Ks regulate the photic clock resetting by regulating mRNA translation. Aim 2 will assess a role for mTORC1 in mediating photoperiodic regulation of SCN cell synchrony. We hypothesize that mTORC1 mediates the regulation of SCN synchrony by photoperiods. Aim 3 will identify a role for mTORC2 in the circadian clock. We hypothesize that mTORC2 regulates SCN properties by controlling circadian cytoskeleton reorganization. The proposed work is innovative because it utilizes our latest mouse genetic models to address conceptually novel questions regarding the role of mTOR in the brain clock. The contributions of the proposed work are expected to be significant, because it will elucidate fundamental mechanisms whereby mTOR regulates the function of the circadian clock. Aberrant mTOR activities in the brain are identified in neurological and psychiatric diseases, which are often accompanied by disrupted daily rhythms in patients. FDA-approved mTOR inhibitors can cause sleep problems. The proposed research will generate new knowledge that is essential for a mechanistic understanding of the clinical issues regarding mTOR and clock/sleep disruptions.

Project Narrative Genetic or pharmacological disruption of brain mTOR activities are frequently associated with disrupted daily rhythms in patients and the mechanisms are unknown. The proposed work will generate new knowledge on a physiological role for mTOR in the brain clock, which will be important for understanding circadian sleep problems in various “mTORopathies” as well as for rational design of next generation mTOR modulators.