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Nutrient Sensing

Meaning

Nutrient sensing describes the complex, evolutionarily conserved cellular and molecular pathways that continuously monitor the availability and relative abundance of key metabolic substrates, including glucose, amino acids, and fatty acids. These systems act as essential cellular thermostats, accurately translating the external nutritional status into adaptive physiological, genetic, and endocrine responses. Key pathways involved, such as mTOR, AMPK, and sirtuins, govern the fundamental cellular processes of growth, repair, and energy allocation.