Global nutrient-sensing pathways (NSP)

Global nutrient-sensing pathways represent a highly conserved network of signaling systems that allow cells to detect and respond to the availability of macronutrients like glucose, amino acids, and lipids [9, 10]. The network primarily consists of four interconnected pathways: the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), sirtuins, and the insulin/IGF-1 signaling (IIS) pathway [4, 5]. These pathways coordinate cellular processes such as protein synthesis, autophagy, and mitochondrial function to maintain energy homeostasis [5, 10]. In states of nutrient abundance, anabolic pathways like mTOR and IIS are activated to promote growth, while nutrient scarcity activates catabolic pathways like AMPK and sirtuins to preserve energy and enhance cellular repair [9, 10]. Dysregulation of these pathways—often termed 'deregulated nutrient sensing'—is a hallmark of aging and is central to the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome, type 2 diabetes, and various cancers [1, 3, 6]. Pharmacological modulation of these pathways, such as with rapamycin or metformin, is a major area of research for extending healthspan and treating age-related diseases [2, 8].

Other names

Nutrient-sensing network [8, 9]Nutrient-sensing signaling pathways [1, 3]Metabolic sensing pathways [7, 10]Deregulated nutrient sensing [4, 5, 6]

Modulation of cellular anabolic and catabolic processes through the regulation of mTOR, AMPK, sirtuins, and insulin/IGF-1 signaling to maintain metabolic homeostasis and promote cellular repair [5, 9, 10].