Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling in energy balance and obesity

Physiol Behav. 2009 Jul 14;97(5):520-4. doi: 10.1016/j.physbeh.2009.03.006. Epub 2009 Mar 16.

Abstract

Energy balance is guaranteed by a complex circuitry that in the brain, and in the hypothalamus in particular, integrates and coordinates several types of signals, including hormones and nutrients, so to match energy expenditure to energy needs. Similar to individual cells, the hypothalamus also profits from intracellular pathways known to work as fuel sensors to maintain energy balance. The mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) pathway has been recently implicated in such function, due to its ability to integrate nutrient and hormonal signals to control food intake and body weight. This review therefore describes recent advances made in understanding the role of the hypothalamic mTORC1 pathway in energy balance regulation and its possible contribution to the metabolic dysregulation associated with diet-induced obesity.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Energy Metabolism / physiology*
  • Humans
  • Hypothalamus / metabolism*
  • Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1
  • Models, Biological
  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Obesity / metabolism*
  • Obesity / physiopathology*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism
  • Proteins
  • Signal Transduction / physiology*
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • Transcription Factors / genetics
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*

Substances

  • Multiprotein Complexes
  • Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • Mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
  • TOR Serine-Threonine Kinases