mTOR Signaling Pathway

Category: pathway

Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin — a central regulator of cell growth, metabolism, and autophagy. Hyperactivation drives cancer growth; inhibition promotes autophagy and longevity.

Mechanism Detail

mTORC1 integrates signals from nutrients, growth factors, and energy status to regulate protein synthesis (via S6K, 4E-BP1), lipid synthesis, and autophagy suppression. Rapamycin and rapalogs inhibit mTORC1, promoting autophagy and reducing aberrant cell growth. Ketogenic diets reduce mTOR signaling through nutrient restriction.

Clinical Status

Rapamycin analogs (temsirolimus, everolimus) are FDA-approved for certain cancers. Rapamycin itself is being studied for longevity and neurodegeneration. mTOR inhibition is a mechanism of several dietary interventions.

Relevant Diseases

Relevant Therapies

Related Terms