A new writeup on mTOR and Rapamycin by NeuroAge Therapeutics founder Christin Glorioso, MD, PHD:
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is arguably the most studied and therapeutically actionable longevity pathway in biology. This ancient nutrient-sensing pathway integrates signals from growth factors, nutrients, energy status, and stress to coordinate cellular growth, metabolism, and aging.
The story of mTOR is one of the most compelling in longevity science. It’s one of the few pathways where we already have FDA-approved drugs (rapamycin and its analogs) that extend lifespan in multiple species and are being used off-label by longevity enthusiasts.
But the mTOR story is more nuanced than “inhibition equals longevity.” This pathway represents a fundamental trade-off in biology: between growth and reproduction on one side, and maintenance and longevity on the other. Understanding where you sit on this spectrum through genetics, biomarkers, and personal health status is key to optimizing this pathway for healthy aging.
What is mTOR and Why Does It Matter?
mTOR is a serine/threonine protein kinase that exists in two distinct complexes: mTORC1 and mTORC2. Think of mTOR as your cell’s master growth controller—a molecular switch that determines whether your cells should be in “growth and building mode” or “maintenance and repair mode.”
Read the full article at link below:
mTOR: Genetic Variants, Rapamycin, Longevity, and Brain Health (C.Glorioso PHD)