mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1—sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 signaling pathway (mTORC1/SREBP1)

The mTORC1/SREBP1 signaling pathway is a central regulator of cellular anabolism, integrating growth signals, nutrient availability, and energy status to promote cell growth, metabolism, and lipid biosynthesis. Upon activation by growth factors and nutrients, mTORC1 phosphorylates downstream effectors, including S6K1 and 4E-BP1, and drives activation of SREBP1. Activated SREBP1 translocates to the nucleus, inducing the expression of genes required for fatty acid and cholesterol synthesis. The pathway is implicated in various pathological processes, including cancer cell growth, metabolic syndrome, obesity, and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1 reduces both protein and lipid synthesis and is clinically exploited in oncology and organ transplantation. Due to its pathway nature, "mTORC1/SREBP1 signaling pathway" is not a single therapeutic target but describes interconnected molecular nodes, each of which may be targeted separately for therapeutic effect.

Other names

mTORC1-SREBP1 pathwaymTORC1 signaling to SREBP1mTORC1-mediated SREBP1 activation

Allosteric inhibition of mTORC1 kinase activity (e.g., by rapamycin and analogs); Downregulation of SREBP1-mediated transcription (indirect effect via mTORC1 inhibitors)