§ Glossary · biology

mTOR

Mechanistic target of rapamycin — a master regulator of cell growth, metabolism, and autophagy.

Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that integrates signals from nutrients, growth factors, and energy status to regulate cell growth, protein synthesis, lipid metabolism, and autophagy. mTOR exists in two complexes — mTORC1 (nutrient-sensing) and mTORC2 (growth factor signalling). Research interest in mTOR has surged because its inhibition (by rapamycin / sirolimus and the broader rapalog class) extends lifespan in multiple model organisms and is a leading longevity research target.

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