Cell-intrinsic functions and regulation of TOR signaling in Drosophila

The fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster has provided a valuable animal model system for a multitude of experimental questions, and has proven to be particularly amenable to studies of signaling pathways. The full repertoire of technical approaches available in this system have been applied to the study of TOR signaling, including innovative genetic screens, high-throughput expression profiling, detailed cell biological analyses, and sensitive genetic interaction studies. Results from these diverse lines of study have provided the field with a wealth of new information and insights into the TOR pathway, from identification of novel signaling factors to elucidation of regulatory mechanisms and physiologically relevant targets. This chapter highlights the progress in our understanding of the regulation and cellular functions of TOR stemming from work in the Drosophila system.