Genetics: Influence of TOR kinase on lifespan in C. elegans

The group of enzymes known as TOR (for 'target of rapamycin') kinases regulates cell growth and proliferation in response to nutrients and hormone-dependent mitogenic signals. Here we show that TOR deficiency in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans more than doubles its natural lifespan. This new function for TOR signalling in ageing control may represent a link between nutrition, metabolism and longevity.