The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that integrates signals from nutrients, energy and growth factors to regulate cell growth, protein synthesis and autophagy.
Why it matters for longevity
Genetic and pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1 has been shown to extend lifespan in yeast, worms, flies and mice. In mice, rapamycin produced one of the largest documented effects on median and maximum lifespan in genetically heterogeneous populations (Harrison et al., Nature 2009).
Autophagy
mTORC1 inhibition removes the brake on autophagy — the cell's recycling and quality-control program — leading to clearance of damaged proteins and organelles.
Open questions
Optimal dosing schedules, side-effect mitigation and target tissues remain active research areas.
Key references
- Harrison DE et al. Nature 2009;460:392–395.
- Saxton RA, Sabatini DM. Cell 2017;168:960–976.