Torin-1

Torin-1 is a potent and selective mTOR inhibitor that is used in biological and medical research. It was first identified in a study by Thoreen et al. in 2009, where it was shown to inhibit mTORC1 and mTORC2 with an IC50 of 2 nM and 10 nM, respectively.

Mechanism of Action

Torin-1 acts by binding to the ATP-binding cleft of mTOR, which leads to the inhibition of both mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes. This inhibition results in the dephosphorylation of downstream targets, including p70S6 Kinase and 4E-BP1, thereby inhibiting protein synthesis and cell growth.

Applications in Research

Due to its potent inhibitory action on mTOR, Torin-1 has been widely used in research to study the role of mTOR signaling in various biological processes and diseases. For example, it has been used to investigate the role of mTOR in autophagy, cancer, aging, and neurodegeneration.

Side Effects and Limitations

While Torin-1 is a powerful tool for research, it is not without its limitations. One of the main concerns is its potential for toxicity, as mTOR plays a crucial role in many normal cellular processes. Additionally, as with any inhibitor, there is the potential for off-target effects.

See Also

• mTOR
• mTORC1
• mTORC2
• Autophagy
• Cancer
• Aging
• Neurodegeneration