mTOR, Akt, S6 kinases and the control of skeletal muscle growth.

In multicellular organisms, growth and metabolism are controlled by extracellular signals, such as insulin and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs). Depending on nutrient availability, these factors regulate cell number, cell size, storage of lipids, proteins and sugars. Here we will review recent literature on the intracellular signal transduction pathways regulating the anabolic responses in skeletal muscles. Emphasis will be put on three serine/threonine kinases, mTOR, Akt and S6 Kinase (S6K), and their role in the integration of environmental cues and the coordination of muscle growth.