Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 4, 2026

Strategies for Assessing Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice
07:38

Strategies for Assessing Autistic-Like Behaviors in Mice

Published on: September 20, 2024

2.4K

mTOR Inhibition: From Aging to Autism and Beyond

Matt Kaeberlein1

  • 1Department of Pathology, University of Washington, 1959 NE Pacific Street, D-514, Seattle, WA 98195-7470, USA.

Scientifica
|January 1, 2014
PubMed

Insights

The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway controls cell growth decisions. Inhibiting mTOR shows promise in treating age-related diseases and other conditions.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Aging Research

Background:

  • The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a crucial protein kinase.
  • mTOR integrates environmental and hormonal signals to regulate cell growth and proliferation.
  • It plays a central role in the

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the diverse functions of mTOR signaling.
  • To summarize the effects of mTOR inhibitors.
  • To explore mTOR's role in aging and age-related diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of mTOR function and inhibitor studies.
  • Interpretation of existing research on mTOR signaling pathways.
  • Analysis of pleiotropic phenotypes associated with mTOR modulation.

Main Results:

  • mTOR governs the fundamental decision between cellular growth and quiescence.
  • mTOR inhibitors exhibit significant effects on various age-related parameters and pathologies.
  • Observed effects extend to processes not directly linked to aging.

Conclusions:

  • mTOR is a key regulator of cellular growth decisions.
  • mTOR inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic avenue for age-related conditions.
  • Further research into mTOR's multifaceted roles is warranted.

More Related Videos

Dynamic Clamp Methods to Investigate Impaired Neuronal Excitability Associated with Autism08:44

Dynamic Clamp Methods to Investigate Impaired Neuronal Excitability Associated with Autism

Published on: October 17, 2025

853
Isolation of Intermediate Filament Proteins from Multiple Mouse Tissues to Study Aging-associated Post-translational Modifications09:29

Isolation of Intermediate Filament Proteins from Multiple Mouse Tissues to Study Aging-associated Post-translational Modifications

Published on: May 18, 2017

7.5K

Related Concept Videos

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
3.6K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

1.5K
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a...
5.1K
Mitochondria01:37

Mitochondria

Mitochondria are eukaryotic cellular organelles that are known to produce energy through a process called oxidative phosphorylation. Besides their primary function, mitochondria are involved in various cellular processes, including cell growth, differentiation, signaling, metabolism, and senescence. Age-related changes cause a decline in mitochondrial quality and integrity due to increased mitochondrial mutations and oxidative damage. Thus, aging can severely impact mitochondrial functions,...
13.4K
Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II01:46

Electron Transport Chain: Complex I and II

The mitochondrial electron transport chain (ETC) is the main energy generation system in the eukaryotic cells. However, mitochondria also produce cytotoxic reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to the large electron flow during oxidative phosphorylation. While Complex I is one of the primary sources of superoxide radicals, ROS production by Complex II is uncommon and may only be observed in cancer cells with mutated complexes.
ROS generation is regulated and maintained at moderate levels necessary...
11.9K
Aging01:26

Aging

Aging is a complex biological phenomenon influenced by various processes that affect cellular and systemic functions. Several prominent theories attempt to explain its mechanisms, highlighting cellular limitations, oxidative damage, and hormonal changes as central factors in aging.
Cellular Clock Theory
The cellular clock theory posits that the human lifespan is closely tied to the finite capacity of cells to divide, a phenomenon governed by telomeres, which are protective caps at the ends of...
1.1K