TORC1 coordinates the conversion of Sic1 from a target to an inhibitor of cyclin-CDK-Cks1

Eukaryotic cell cycle progression through G(1)-S is driven by hormonal and growth-related signals that are transmitted by the target of rapamycin complex 1 (TORC1) pathway. In yeast, inactivation of TORC1 restricts G(1)-S transition due to the rapid clearance of G(1) cyclins (Cln) and the stabilization of the B-type cyclin (Clb) cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) inhibitor Sic1. The latter mechanism remains mysterious but requires the phosphorylation of Sic1-Thr(173) by Mpk1 and inactivation of the Sic1-pThr(173)-targeting phosphatase (PP2A(Cdc55)) through greatwall kinase-activated endosulfines. Here we show that the Sic1-pThr(173) residue serves as a specific docking site for the CDK phospho-a…