Serine/threonine-protein kinase mTOR (mTOR)

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) also known as FK506 binding protein 12-rapamycin associated protein 1 (FRAP1) is a protein which in humans is encoded by the FRAP1 gene.mTOR is a serine/threonine protein kinase that regulates cell growth, cell proliferation, cell motility, cell survival, protein synthesis, and transcription.

Current research indicates that mTOR integrates the input from multiple upstream pathways, including insulin, growth factors (such as IGF-1 and IGF-2), and mitogens.mTOR also functions as a sensor of cellular nutrient and energy levels and redox status.The disregulation of the mTOR pathway is implicated as a contributing factor to various human disease processes, especially various types of cancer.