What is the Origin of mTOR and Aging?

The concept originated in cell biology studies focused on nutrient sensing and growth regulation, later becoming a major focus in geroscience due to its link with IGF-1 signaling and nutrient availability. In hormonal health, mTOR activity must be tightly coupled with insulin and growth hormone signaling for proper tissue turnover. It represents the cell's primary anabolic hub.

What is the Mechanism of mTOR and Aging?

When nutrients are plentiful, mTOR signaling remains high, promoting protein synthesis and inhibiting autophagy, the process that clears damaged organelles and aggregated proteins. Sustained hyperactivation leads to the accumulation of cellular damage and mitochondrial dysfunction, which are hallmarks of cellular senescence. Conversely, transient inhibition, often achieved via caloric restriction mimetics, restores protective catabolic activity, promoting cellular rejuvenation.

mTOR and Aging ∞ Area

mTOR and Aging

Meaning

mTOR and Aging describes the critical relationship where chronic, excessive activation of the Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway accelerates biological aging processes. mTOR acts as a nutrient sensor, and its sustained hyperactivity promotes anabolic processes while suppressing essential catabolic and cellular housekeeping functions like autophagy. Modulating this pathway is a central focus in longevity endocrinology.