mTOR

What It Is

A central nutrient-sensing kinase that integrates signals from amino acids, growth factors, energy status and oxygen to regulate cell growth, protein synthesis, and metabolism. mTOR has two complexes: mTORC1 (growth, anabolism, suppression of autophagy) and mTORC2. Chronic overactivation of mTORC1 — by caloric excess, high protein intake, sedentary lifestyle — is associated with accelerated aging and increased cancer risk. Inhibition of mTOR via rapamycin is the most consistent intervention to extend lifespan in model organisms. Intermittent fasting and exercise cyclically modulate mTOR.

Key Context

mTOR inhibition strategies with human evidence: intermittent fasting (reduces mTORC1 between meals), low-calorie/low-protein periods, rapamycin (prescription, longevity trials ongoing), metformin/berberine (indirect mTOR modulation via AMPK). Chronic suppression is not the goal — healthy cycling between anabolism (mTOR on) and catabolism/autophagy (mTOR off) is optimal.

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