mTOR, which stands for mechanistic Target of Rapamycin, is a highly conserved serine/threonine protein kinase that functions as a master sensor of the cell’s nutritional, energy, and growth factor status. It acts as a central hub, integrating signals from amino acids, glucose, and hormones like insulin and IGF-1, to regulate fundamental cellular processes. In the context of longevity and metabolic health, mTOR activity is a key determinant of the balance between anabolic processes, such as protein synthesis, and catabolic processes, like autophagy.
Origin
The protein was first identified in the 1990s as the molecular target of the antifungal and immunosuppressant drug rapamycin, leading to its name. The term “mechanistic” was later added to distinguish it from a similar protein. Its discovery provided a crucial molecular link between nutrient availability, growth factor signaling, and the control of cell size and proliferation, revolutionizing the field of aging research.
Mechanism
mTOR exists in two distinct multi-protein complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, with mTORC1 being the primary nutrient sensor. When growth factors and nutrients are abundant, mTORC1 is activated, leading to the phosphorylation of downstream targets such as S6K1 and 4E-BP1. This phosphorylation promotes protein and lipid synthesis while simultaneously inhibiting autophagy, driving the cell toward growth and anabolism. Conversely, during periods of energy stress or nutrient scarcity, mTORC1 is inhibited, promoting cellular recycling and repair.
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