mTOR signaling in liver disease

The target of rapamycin (TOR) is a highly conserved serine/threonine kinase that forms two structurally and functionally distinct complexes, TORC1 and TORC2. In response to nutrients, growth factors and cellular energy, mammalian TOR (mTOR) controls cell growth and metabolism. mTOR plays an important role in metabolic organs, particularly in the liver, to mediate whole-body energy homeostasis. Dysregulation of mTOR signaling is associated with the development of several metabolic diseases such as diabetes, obesity, and cancer. Here, we review the role of hepatic mTORC1 and mTORC2 in linking metabolism, cancer development, and circadian rhythm-related processes.