Related Experiment Video

Updated: Feb 17, 2026

A Suppressor Screen for the Characterization of Genetic Links Regulating Chronological Lifespan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae
10:39

A Suppressor Screen for the Characterization of Genetic Links Regulating Chronological Lifespan in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Published on: September 17, 2020

6.8K

mTOR as Regulator of Lifespan, Aging, and Cellular Senescence: A Mini-Review

Thomas Weichhart1

  • 1Center of Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.

Gerontology
|December 1, 2017
PubMed

Insights

Inhibiting the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) with rapamycin extends lifespan in model organisms. This review explores how mTOR signaling impacts aging, senescence, metabolism, and stem cell function for potential therapeutic interventions.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Aging Research
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) network integrates nutrient and growth factor signals to regulate cellular processes.
  • mTOR signaling is implicated in fundamental life processes including cell growth, proliferation, apoptosis, and inflammation.
  • Evidence increasingly links mTOR signaling to longevity and the aging process.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the mechanisms by which mTOR signaling influences lifespan.
  • To explore the role of mTOR in aging-related processes such as cellular senescence, metabolism, and stem cell function.
  • To identify potential therapeutic strategies targeting mTOR for aging and age-related diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on mTOR signaling and aging.
  • Analysis of research on rapamycin's effects on lifespan in model organisms.
  • Synthesis of data on mTOR's influence on cellular senescence, metabolism, and stem cell function.

Main Results:

  • Inhibition of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) using rapamycin is the only known pharmacological intervention that extends lifespan across studied model organisms.
  • mTOR signaling pathways are critical regulators of cellular senescence, metabolic homeostasis, and stem cell maintenance.
  • Dysregulation of mTOR signaling is associated with various aging phenotypes and age-related diseases.

Conclusions:

  • mTOR signaling is a key determinant of lifespan and aging.
  • Targeting mTOR, particularly mTORC1, offers a promising therapeutic avenue for promoting longevity and combating age-related diseases.
  • Further understanding of mTOR's intricate roles in aging may unlock novel interventions for healthier aging.
Keywords:
Calorie restrictionMetabolic reprogrammingRapamycin

More Related Videos

Induction and Validation of Cellular Senescence in Primary Human Cells08:18

Induction and Validation of Cellular Senescence in Primary Human Cells

Published on: June 20, 2018

18.1K
Techniques to Induce and Quantify Cellular Senescence06:51

Techniques to Induce and Quantify Cellular Senescence

Published on: May 1, 2017

35.2K

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...
4.9K
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...
5.7K
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,...
20.7K
Replicative Cell Senescence02:15

Replicative Cell Senescence

Replicative cell senescence is a property of cells that allows them to divide a finite number of times throughout the organism's lifespan while preventing excessive proliferation. Replicative senescence is associated with the gradual loss of the telomere — short, repetitive DNA sequences found at the end of the chromosomes. Telomeres are bound by a group of proteins to form a protective cap on the ends of chromosomes. Embryonic stem cells express telomerase — an enzyme that adds...
4.5K
The Effect of Aging on Tissues01:19

The Effect of Aging on Tissues

Several body functions deteriorate with age. The external signs of aging are easily identifiable. For example, the skin becomes dry, less elastic, and thins out, forming wrinkles. The skin of the face begins to appear looser due to a decrease in the levels of elastic and collagen fibers in the connective tissue. Additionally, melanin production in the hair follicle decreases with age, resulting in gray hair. Moreover, the senses of sight and hearing decline, so glasses and hearing aids may...
3.8K
Telomeres and Telomerase02:41

Telomeres and Telomerase

7.5K