PI3K/Akt/mTOR refers to a critical intracellular signaling cascade, the Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) / Akt (Protein Kinase B) / mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, which acts as a master regulator of cell growth, proliferation, survival, and metabolism. This pathway is a key sensor of nutrient and energy status, linking hormonal signals, particularly from insulin and growth factors, to cellular anabolic processes. Its dysregulation is implicated in both aging and numerous pathologies, including cancer and metabolic syndrome.
Origin
The term is a concatenation of the names of the three primary protein kinases in the cascade, discovered through decades of molecular biology and cell signaling research. It is a cornerstone of modern cellular and endocrinological study, explaining how external stimuli are translated into fundamental cellular decisions. The pathway is named for its key components and their sequential activation.
Mechanism
Activation typically begins when a growth factor or hormone, like insulin, binds to its receptor, activating PI3K, which then phosphorylates Akt. Activated Akt subsequently phosphorylates and inhibits inhibitory proteins, leading to the activation of mTOR. Once active, mTOR drives anabolic processes, including protein synthesis and lipid production, while simultaneously inhibiting catabolic processes like autophagy. The precise control of this cascade is vital for balancing cellular growth and repair.
Optimizing IGF-1 involves a dynamic balance, fostering cellular repair and metabolic efficiency while navigating its complex influence on long-term health.
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