Mechanistic target of rapamycin

Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), also known as the mammalian target of rapamycin and FK506-binding protein 12-rapamycin-associated protein 1 (FRAP1), is a kinase that in humans is encoded by the MTOR gene. mTOR is a member of the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-related kinase (PIKK) family of kinases.

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 289-kDa serine/threonine protein kinase that belongs to the PIKK family. mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2 (mTORC2) are the two multiprotein complexes that are formed by the mTOR protein.

Clinical significance

mTOR inhibitors such as rapamycin and its analogues have been used to prevent organ transplant rejection. They are also being studied for their potential to treat various diseases such as cancer, cardiovascular disease, and depression.

See also

• Rapamycin
• PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway
• mTOR inhibitors

External links

• GeneReviews/NCBI/NIH/UW entry on MTOR-Related Autosomal Dominant Smith-Kingsmore Syndrome

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