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Updated: Jul 31, 2025

Techniques to Induce and Quantify Cellular Senescence
06:51

Techniques to Induce and Quantify Cellular Senescence

Published on: May 1, 2017

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Targeting the biology of aging with mTOR inhibitors

Joan B Mannick1, Dudley W Lamming2

  • 1Tornado Therapeutics, New York, NY, USA.

Nature Aging
|May 4, 2023
PubMed

Insights

Rapamycin, an inhibitor of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), extends healthspan and lifespan in models. New research explores mTOR inhibitors for aging-related diseases, aiming for safer, selective treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Gerontology
  • Pharmacology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway regulates cell growth, metabolism, and aging.
  • Rapamycin, an FDA-approved drug, has shown health and longevity benefits in various model organisms.
  • Targeting mTORC1 specifically is a key strategy for treating age-related diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the impact of rapamycin on longevity and survival in wild-type and disease models.
  • To discuss clinical trials investigating mTOR inhibitors for aging-related conditions.
  • To explore novel molecules for selective mTORC1 inhibition.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of studies on rapamycin and mTOR inhibitors.
  • Analysis of data from wild-type mice and disease models.
  • Examination of outcomes from clinical trials for aging-related diseases.

Main Results:

  • Rapamycin administration has demonstrated positive effects on lifespan and healthspan in preclinical models.
  • Clinical trials indicate potential for mTOR inhibitors in managing multiple age-related diseases.
  • Emerging molecular strategies aim for enhanced selectivity in mTORC1 inhibition.

Conclusions:

  • mTOR inhibitors show promise for treating diseases of aging.
  • Further research is needed to establish mTOR inhibitors as standard care.
  • Development of safer, more selective mTORC1 inhibitors is a priority for the future.

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