Fundamental for life: mTOR orchestrates developing biological systems.

Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) (historically known as mammalian target of rapamycin) functions as a master regulator of cell growth control. Although the regulation of protein translation is probably the best understood function of mTOR, it is clear that mTOR governs many additional processes within the cell that together orchestrates organism growth and development. Our 'growing' knowledge of the regulation of mTOR and signalling pathways has broadened significantly over the last few decades. Together, the eight reviews described in this special series on mTOR covers fundamental and up-to-date facets of mTOR function and signalling. The review topics herein underpin the importance of mTOR for developing and maintaining biological systems through the regulation of cellular growth and homeostatic pathways, which is fundamental for life and well-being.