mTOR: The master regulator that controls muscle growth and maintenance

What does mTOR do and how can it help us?

By Alisha Moopen

Published: Fri 4 Aug 2023, 4:10 PM

In the quest for longevity and healthy ageing, scientists and researchers have delved into the intricate mechanisms that govern our bodily functions. One key player that has emerged as a potential strategy for promoting longevity is the mammalian target of rapamycin, or mTOR.

But what does mTOR do and how can it help us?

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Our muscles play a crucial role in keeping us mobile, active, and independent. As we age, we naturally lose muscle mass, which can lead to weakness and difficulty performing everyday tasks. That's where mTOR comes in. It’s like a master regulator that controls muscle growth and maintenance.

mTOR is responsible for telling our cells to build proteins, which are the building blocks of muscles. When mTOR is activated, it signals our cells to make more proteins and increase muscle size. Impairment of mTOR signaling has been implicated in many age-related disorders, such as diabetes, cancer, and neurodegeneration as well as ageing itself. This means that by keeping mTOR active, we can help prevent muscle loss and maintain our strength as we age.

But mTOR doesn’t stop there. It also has some incredible benefits for our overall health and longevity. Studies have shown that activating mTOR can improve the function of our brain, heart, and metabolism. It’s like a fountain of youth for our cells!

An important question is how to keep mTOR happy and working for us? Well, there are a few things we can do. First and foremost, regular exercise is essential. Activities like strength training and resistance exercises are particularly effective at activating mTOR and promoting muscle growth.

Another important factor is our diet. Eating enough protein is crucial because it provides necessary building blocks for mTOR to do its job. Including lean meats, fish, eggs, dairy products, and plant-based protein sources in our meals can help support muscle growth and keep mTOR active.

It is worth mentioning that while mTOR is beneficial, we shouldn’t go overboard. Like with most things in life, balance is key. Too much mTOR activity can potentially lead to problems like cancer or metabolic disorders. So it’s important to follow a balanced approach and not overstimulate mTOR.

mTOR is a powerful protein that regulates muscle growth and maintenance. By keeping it active through exercise and a protein-rich diet, we can help prevent muscle loss and stay strong as we age. Additionally, mTOR’s positive impact on our overall health and longevity makes it an exciting area of research. Let’s embrace the power of mTOR and unlock the secrets to a stronger, healthier, and longer life!

wknd@khaleejtimes.com