REVIEW


Growth and aging: a common molecular mechanism

Mikhail V. Blagosklonny1 and Michael N. Hall2
1 Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Buffalo, NY 14263, USA
2 Biozentrum, University of Basel, CH4056 Basel, Switzerland
Running title:
Growth and aging
Key words:
aging, growth, rapamycin, TOR, mitochondria
Received:
02/29/09; accepted: 04/20/09; published on line: 04/20/09
Correspondence:
E-mail:

Abstract

It is commonly assumed that growth and aging are somehow linked, but the nature of this link has been elusive. Here we review the aging process as a continuation of TOR-driven growth. TOR is absolutely essential for developmental growth, but upon completion of development it causes aging and age-related diseases. Thus, the nutrient-sensing and growth-promoting TOR signaling pathway may provide a molecular link between growth and aging that is universal from yeast to human.