Sestrin-2 (SESN2)

Functions as an intracellular leucine sensor that negatively regulates the TORC1 signaling pathway through the GATOR complex. In absence of leucine, binds the GATOR subcomplex GATOR2 and prevents TORC1 signaling (PubMed:18692468, PubMed:25263562, PubMed:25457612, PubMed:26449471, PubMed:26612684, PubMed:26586190).

Binding of leucine into SESN2 disrupts its interaction with GATOR2 thereby activating the TORC1 signaling pathway (PubMed:26449471, PubMed:26586190). This stress-inducible metabolic regulator also plays a role in protection against oxidative and genotoxic stresses.