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The role of the mTOR pathway in regulating food intake

Brian M Wiczer1, George Thomas

  • 1University of Cincinnati, Department of Cancer and Cell Biology, Metabolic Diseases Institute, College of Medicine, 2180 East Galbraith Road, Building D/Room 284, Cincinnati, OH 45237, USA. wiczerbn@ucmail.uc.edu

Current Opinion in Drug Discovery & Development
|September 3, 2010
PubMed

Insights

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway regulates food intake. Recent studies show hypothalamic and gastric mTOR signaling suppresses appetite, offering new insights into metabolic control.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Physiology
  • Metabolism

Background:

  • The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key regulator of cell growth and proliferation, integrating signals from nutrients and hormones.
  • While extensively studied in metabolic and cancer models, mTOR's role in food intake regulation is a recent area of investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent findings on the role of hypothalamic and gastric mTOR signaling in suppressing food intake.
  • To discuss potential mechanisms underlying mTOR-mediated appetite suppression.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on mTOR signaling and food intake.
  • Analysis of research focusing on hypothalamic and gastric mTOR pathways.

Main Results:

  • Hypothalamic mTOR signaling plays a crucial role in suppressing appetite.
  • Gastric mTOR signaling also contributes to the regulation of food intake.
  • Evidence suggests specific nutrient and hormonal signals modulate these pathways.

Conclusions:

  • Hypothalamic and gastric mTOR signaling are critical components of the neural circuitry controlling food intake.
  • Understanding these pathways may offer novel therapeutic targets for obesity and metabolic disorders.

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