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The TOR pathway comes of age
Monique N Stanfel1, Lara S Shamieh, Matt Kaeberlein
1Department of Biochemistry, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195, USA.
Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|June 23, 2009
Summary
Nutrient signaling impacts lifespan. Dietary restriction activates stress responses and extends life, while dampening the TOR pathway shows promise in protecting against age-related diseases in mouse models.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Molecular Biology
- Nutrient Signaling
Background:
- Nutrient availability influences aging across species.
- Dietary restriction (DR) extends lifespan by altering metabolic and stress response pathways.
- Nutrient-responsive pathways like insulin/IGF-1, AMP kinase, protein kinase A, and TOR are central to aging research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the connection between the TOR pathway and aging in invertebrates.
- To review evidence linking TOR signaling to longevity and age-related disease protection.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on nutrient signaling and longevity.
- Focus on studies in model organisms, particularly invertebrates.
- Highlighting findings from mouse models regarding TOR pathway modulation.
Main Results:
- Nutrient scarcity, via DR, reduces growth and enhances stress resistance, promoting longevity.
- The TOR pathway is increasingly recognized for its role in aging processes.
- Inhibition of TOR signaling in mouse models confers protection against diverse age-related diseases.
Conclusions:
- TOR signaling is a critical regulator of aging and longevity.
- Targeting the TOR pathway represents a potential therapeutic strategy for age-related diseases.
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