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Updated: Jun 16, 2026

A Suppressor Screen for the Characterization of Genetic Links Regulating Chronological Lifespan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
Published on: September 17, 2020
Growth and aging: a common molecular mechanism
Mikhail V Blagosklonny1, Michael N Hall
1Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA. blagosklonny@oncotarget.com
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway drives growth and development. After development, TOR signaling continues, promoting aging and age-related diseases, linking growth and aging across species.
Area of Science:
- Aging Research
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The connection between growth and aging is widely assumed but poorly understood.
- The mechanistic target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway is crucial for cellular growth and development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the role of the TOR signaling pathway as a molecular link between growth and aging.
- To investigate if this link is conserved across different species.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on TOR signaling, growth, and aging.
- Comparative analysis of TOR pathway function in model organisms and humans.
Main Results:
- TOR is essential for developmental growth.
- Post-development, TOR signaling drives aging and age-related diseases.
- The TOR pathway's role in linking growth and aging appears conserved.
Conclusions:
- The nutrient-sensing and growth-promoting TOR pathway provides a molecular link between growth and aging.
- This link is potentially universal, spanning from yeast to humans.
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