Comprehensive current review of how nutrients and growth signals are integrated by mTORC1 and the metabolic programs it commands, plus the clinical outlook for mTORC1-targeted therapy across cancer, neurodegeneration, obesity, diabetes and aging -- anchor reference for the pathway map.
| Evidence tier | D Mechanistic / in vitro / review |
| Study type | Narrative Review |
| Model system | N/A (narrative review) |
| Journal | Genes & Development |
| Year | 2025 |
| Peer reviewed | Yes |
| Source | DOI 10.1101/gad.352084.124 · PMID 39572234 · Free full text (PMC11789495) |
The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway senses and integrates various environmental and intracellular cues to regulate cell growth and proliferation. As a key conductor of the balance between anabolic and catabolic processes, mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) orchestrates the symphonic regulation of glycolysis, nucleic acid and lipid metabolism, protein translation and degradation, and gene expression. Dysregulation of the mTOR pathway is linked to numerous human diseases, including cancer, neurodegenerative disorders, obesity, diabetes, and aging. This review provides an in-depth understanding of how nutrients and growth signals are coordinated to influence mTOR signaling and the extensive metabolic rewiring under its command. Additionally, we discuss the use of mTORC1 inhibitors in various aging-associated metabolic diseases and the current and future potential for targeting mTOR in clinical settings. By deciphering the complex landscape of mTORC1 signaling, this review aims to inform novel therapeutic strategies and provide a road map for future research endeavors in this dynamic and rapidly evolving field.
| Intervention | N/A (review) |
| Target | mTORC1 pathway (nutrient/growth factor integration) |
| Model | N/A |
| Effect | Comprehensive review of mTORC1 regulation, metabolic control, and clinical outlook |