Topic #1: mTOR

Healthways' Take - Cellular Mechanisms of Aging and Disease

mTOR is a protein Kinase that serves to function as a master regulator of cellular growth and metabolism in response to nutrient and hormonal cues. mTOR is activated by Amino acids and Insulin as well as other growth factors (IGF-1, etc), and is repressed by AMPK. mTOR modulates Anabolic versus Catabolic processes in response to nutrients, Growth cues and cellular energy status. Dietary Restriction reduces mTORC-1 activity. 

Calorie restriction reduces mTOR activity and calorie restriction increases AMPK activity. These two signaling agents simultaneously extend life span in research experiments.

mTOR down regulation has shown significantly improved stress resistance. Down regulation of mTOR has shown improved “Autophagy” which is the clearance of old senescent nonfunctioning cells. This helps prevent Cancer and significantly helps lower Chronic inflammation while improving immune system functions.

mTOR activity with age is associated with decreased stem cell functionality, which gives rise to age related pathologies. Lowering mTOR activity improved stem cell functionality and improved Stem cell formation in the intestinal area.

mTOR is essential for cellular proliferation and nutrient management. When mTOR becomes hyperactivated due to dietary and life style indiscretion, Pathways associated with disease and aging are activated.

AMPK is the bodies energy manager and is also concerned with nutritional status, Insulin and glucose management.

When AMPK activity is abundant, mTOR becomes down regulated. The result is longer disease free life with vibrant energy. When mTOR is hyper activated and AMPK activity is low due to diet and lifestyle, A shorter, disease ridden, low energy life is the result.

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