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Metabolic Master Switches

Meaning

Metabolic Master Switches is a conceptual term used to describe a select group of intracellular signaling proteins or enzymes, such as AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) and mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin), that serve as central regulatory hubs for the entire cellular metabolic state. These switches act as sensors for nutrient and energy availability, dictating fundamental cellular decisions like growth versus repair, anabolism versus catabolism, and energy storage versus utilization. Modulating the activity of these master switches is a key therapeutic strategy in longevity medicine for promoting metabolic flexibility and healthspan extension.