Mammalian target of rapamycin

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a type of protein that in humans is encoded by the MTOR gene. mTOR is a serine/threonine protein kinase that regulates cell growth, cell proliferation, cell motility, cell survival, protein synthesis, autophagy, and transcription.

Function

mTOR integrates the input from upstream pathways, including insulin, growth factors (such as IGF-1 and IGF-2), and amino acids. mTOR also senses cellular nutrient, oxygen, and energy levels. The mTOR pathway is a central regulator of mammalian metabolism and physiology, with important roles in the function of tissues including liver, muscle, white and brown adipose tissue, and the brain, and is dysregulated in human diseases, such as diabetes, obesity, depression, and certain cancers.

Structure

mTOR is a member of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinase protein family. It contains a kinase domain, a FRB (FKBP12-rapamycin binding) domain, a RAPTOR-binding domain, and a FAT domain. The kinase domain is very large and includes a number of HEAT repeats.

Clinical significance

mTOR inhibitors such as rapamycin and its analogues have been used to prevent transplant rejection. They have also been used in treating certain cancers, and there is ongoing research into their possible use for treating other conditions.

See also

• Rapamycin
• PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
• Insulin resistance
• Cancer

Cell biology

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