DEPTOR (DEP domain-containing mTOR-interacting protein) is a naturally occurring endogenous inhibitor of the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) kinase, a central regulator of cell growth, proliferation, and metabolism. Discovered in 2009. DEPTOR binds directly to mTOR, suppressing the activity of both mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2. Its expression is regulated by growth factors, nutrient availability, and feedback loops within the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
DEPTOR plays dual roles in disease contexts. While it acts as a tumor suppressor in certain cancers (e.g., multiple myeloma) by restraining mTOR-driven proliferation, elevated DEPTOR levels paradoxically promote survival in other malignancies through feedback activation of pro-growth signaling pathways. It also influences metabolic disorders, with studies linking DEPTOR dysregulation to obesity, insulin resistance, and adipose tissue dysfunction.
DEPTOR-specific antibodies are critical tools for investigating these complex biological roles. They enable detection of DEPTOR protein expression levels (often downregulated in cancers), post-translational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation), and interactions with mTOR complexes. Commonly used in techniques like Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunohistochemistry, these antibodies (polyclonal or monoclonal, targeting specific epitopes) help elucidate DEPTOR's tissue-specific functions and therapeutic potential. Commercial antibodies typically validate cross-reactivity with human, mouse, and rat samples. Research using DEPTOR antibodies continues to advance understanding of mTOR pathway regulation and its implications in precision oncology and metabolic disease treatment.