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TOR signaling never gets old: aging, longevity and TORC1 activity

Daniel S Evans1, Pankaj Kapahi, Wen-Chi Hsueh

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of California, San Francisco, United States.

Ageing Research Reviews
|April 14, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway, a conserved network regulating cell growth, influences lifespan across species. Manipulating TOR activity can extend lifespan, suggesting potential benefits for human health.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Genetics

Background:

  • The target of rapamycin (TOR) signaling network integrates intra- and extracellular cues to regulate cell growth.
  • Recent research highlights a modular organization within the TOR network, with distinct modules sensing specific signals.
  • TOR pathway components are highly conserved across diverse species, from yeast to mammals.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the conserved nature and modular structure of the TOR signaling network.
  • To discuss the role of TOR in regulating lifespan across different organisms.
  • To explore the implications of TOR pathway manipulation for human health and longevity.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of research on TOR signaling network.
  • Analysis of conserved signaling modules and their functions.
  • Examination of studies linking TOR pathway to lifespan regulation in model organisms.

Main Results:

  • The TOR network comprises modular signaling components that sense diverse signals like nutrients and stress.
  • TOR pathway activity is conserved in its function to regulate lifespan in yeast, roundworms, flies, and mice.
  • Interventions targeting TOR signaling modules or activity demonstrably extend lifespan in model organisms.

Conclusions:

  • The conserved and modular TOR pathway is a key regulator of cellular processes and lifespan.
  • Modulating TOR activity presents a promising avenue for interventions aimed at improving human health and extending lifespan.

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