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TOR pathway: linking nutrient sensing to life span

Pankaj Kapahi1, Brian Zid

  • 1Buck Institute for Age Research, Novato, CA 94945, USA. Pkapahi@buckinstitute.org

Science of Aging Knowledge Environment : SAGE KE
|September 10, 2004
PubMed

Insights

The target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway influences how nutrients affect lifespan. This pathway interacts with insulin signaling and regulates key processes impacting longevity.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Gerontology
  • Nutrient signaling

Background:

  • The target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway is increasingly recognized for its role in aging.
  • Nutrient availability significantly impacts lifespan across species.
  • Understanding signaling pathways involved in aging is crucial for developing interventions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the role of the TOR pathway in mediating nutrient-dependent lifespan regulation.
  • To discuss the interplay between TOR and insulin-like signaling pathways.
  • To identify key downstream processes regulated by TOR.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review and synthesis of recent studies on TOR signaling and lifespan.
  • Analysis of molecular mechanisms linking nutrient sensing to aging.
  • Discussion of pathway interactions and downstream effectors.

Main Results:

  • The TOR pathway emerges as a key modulator of lifespan in response to nutrient cues.
  • TOR signaling interacts with insulin-like signaling pathways to influence aging processes.
  • TOR regulates critical downstream cellular processes relevant to longevity.

Conclusions:

  • The TOR pathway is a central regulator of nutrient-dependent lifespan.
  • Interactions between TOR and insulin signaling are critical for lifespan regulation.
  • Targeting TOR-regulated pathways may offer strategies to modulate aging.

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