mTOR facts for kids

mTOR is a special kind of protein found inside your body's cells. Think of it as a tiny manager that helps control many important jobs. It's also an enzyme, which means it helps speed up chemical reactions in cells.

mTOR helps cells do things like grow, divide, move around, and even stay alive. It also helps cells make new proteins and clean up old parts through a process called autophagy.

This important protein has been given a few different names over time. It was first called the 'mammalian target of rapamycin'. Rapamycin is a medicine that affects mTOR. It's also known as the 'mechanistic target of rapamycin' or 'FK506-binding protein 12-rapamycin-associated protein 1' (FRAP1).

The mTOR pathway is like a central control system for how your body uses energy and works. It plays a big role in many parts of your body, including your liver, muscles, fat (adipose) tissue, and your brain.

What is mTOR and How Does It Work?

mTOR is a protein that acts like a switch, turning different cell activities on or off. It helps cells decide when to grow, when to divide, and when to make new parts. It's like a traffic cop for cell functions.

This protein is made from instructions found in a special part of your DNA called the MTOR gene. Genes are like blueprints that tell your body how to build proteins.

Why is mTOR Important for Your Body?

mTOR is super important because it helps control your body's metabolism. Metabolism is how your body turns food into energy and builds new things. mTOR helps make sure your cells get enough energy and building blocks to do their jobs.

It plays a key role in many different tissues and organs, including:

• Your liver, which helps clean your blood and store energy.
• Your muscles, which help you move.
• Fat tissues, which store energy.
• Your brain, which controls everything you do.

When mTOR works correctly, it helps keep your body healthy and balanced.

Images for kids

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  This picture shows the different parts of the mTOR protein, called mTORC1 and mTORC2. Rapamycin, a medicine, connects to a part called FKBP12 in mTORC1.

See also

In Spanish: Diana de rapamicina en células de mamífero para niños