Inhibition of S6K by resveratrol: In search of the purpose

S6K is a downstream target of mTOR (mammalian Target of Rapamycin). In response to nutrients, growth factors and hormones, the mTOR/S6K pathway promotes cellular mass growth, which is needed for cell proliferation. In post-mitotic (non-proliferating) cells, mTOR promotes cellular senescence [11]. Rapamycin decelerates mammalian cell senescence [12]. Dephosphorylation of S6 is correlated with suppression of cellular aging by several agents [13-15]. Furthermore, inhibition of the TOR/S6K extends life span in yeast, worms and Drosophila [16-21]. Also, mice deficient for mTORC1 or S6K are protected against obesity [22, 23]. Therefore, the discovery made by the David Sinclair laboratory [10] that resveratrol directly inhibits S6K is very important.