Inhibition of TOR signalling in lea1 mutant induces apoptosis in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

The target of rapamycin, TOR, maintains cell growth and proliferation under vivid environmental conditions by orchestrating wide array of growth-related process. In addition to environmental conditions, e.g., nutrient and stress, TOR also governs cellular response to varied intracellular cues including perturbed intracellular mRNA levels which may arise due to altered regulation of mRNA processing at splicing or turnover levels. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of TOR signalling in growth of cells with accumulated unprocessed RNA. Growth analysis of lea1∆ (splicing deficient) was carried out under varied conditions leading to nitrogen starvation. The expression of TORC1 and TORC2 marker genes was examined in this delete strain. Sensitivity of the lea1∆ towards oxidative agents was observed. Apoptosis was analyzed in caffeine-treated lea1∆ cells. The hypersensitivity of lea1∆ cells towards caffeine is outcome of highly perturbed TOR signalling. The growth defect is independent of PKC pathway. Cells with accumulated unprocessed RNA experience high oxidative stress that induces apoptosis. An inadequate TOR signalling in lea1∆ cells substantiates the effect of oxidative stress induced by accumulated RNA to the extent of inducing cell death via apoptosis.