mTOR Inhibitors: A Promising Therapy for Aging
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mTOR inhibitors are compounds that block the activity of the mTOR pathway. The most well-known mTOR inhibitor is rapamycin, a naturally occurring compound discovered in the 1970s. Rapamycin and its analogs (rapalogs) have been extensively studied for their potential to slow down aging and treat age-related diseases.
Several studies have demonstrated that rapamycin extends the lifespan of model organisms such as yeast, worms, flies, and mice. Moreover, rapamycin has been shown to improve healthspan by delaying the onset of age-related diseases and improving organ function. For example, rapamycin treatment has been found to enhance memory and cognitive function, reduce age-related inflammation, and improve heart function in animal models.