Mammalian Aging Process Linked to Overactive Cellular Pathway

[TECH NEWS]

Whitehead Institute researchers have linked hyperactivity in the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) cellular pathway, to reduced ketone production, which is a well-defined physiological trait of aging in mice. Their results are reported in the December 23 edition of the journal Nature. “This is the first paper that genetically shows that the mTORC1 pathway in mammals affects an aging phenotype,” says Whitehead Institute Member David Sabatini. “It provides us with a molecular framework to study an aging-related process in deeper detail.” When we think of aging, sagging skin, dimmed vision, and fragile bones come to mind. But Sabatini’s lab is more interested in the cellular changes that occur as organisms age. One cellular pathway, the mTORC1 pathway, is known to coordinate cell growth with nutrient availability and other growth factors. Previous research has shown that when this pathway is inhibited, a variety of animals, including worms, flies, and mice tend to live longer. “This is the first paper that genetically shows that the mTORC1 pathway in mammals affects an aging phenotype,” says Whitehead Institute Member David Sabatini. “It provides us with a molecular framework to study an aging-related process in deeper detail.”

12/22/10, Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research