mTOR, a serine/threonine kinase, is a master regulator of cellular metabolism and plays a crucial role in autophagy regulation. The mTOR signaling pathway consists of two distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, which have specific substrate preferences and elicit distinct downstream signaling events. mTORC1 integrates various stimuli and signaling networks to promote anabolic metabolism and inhibit catabolic processes like autophagy. The TSC1/TSC2 complex is a key negative regulator of mTORC1, and its loss leads to uncontrolled growth and disease. mTORC1 is also regulated by growth factors, amino acids, and cellular energy levels. In contrast, mTORC2 is primarily regulated by the PI3K/AKT signaling axis and regulates cell survival, metabolism, and cytoskeletal organization. mTORC1 inhibits autophagy by phosphorylating multiple autophagy-related proteins and preventing the transcriptional activation of autophagy genes. mTOR inhibitors, such as rapamycin and its derivatives (rapalogs), have been developed for therapeutic use in various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. These inhibitors induce autophagy and have anti-proliferative effects. Metformin, a biguanide used for treating type II diabetes, also inhibits mTORC1 and induces autophagy. The regulation of autophagy by mTOR inhibitors offers a promising therapeutic strategy for various diseases, but their use must be carefully considered due to potential side effects and the need for further research to optimize their application.mTOR, a serine/threonine kinase, is a master regulator of cellular metabolism and plays a crucial role in autophagy regulation. The mTOR signaling pathway consists of two distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, which have specific substrate preferences and elicit distinct downstream signaling events. mTORC1 integrates various stimuli and signaling networks to promote anabolic metabolism and inhibit catabolic processes like autophagy. The TSC1/TSC2 complex is a key negative regulator of mTORC1, and its loss leads to uncontrolled growth and disease. mTORC1 is also regulated by growth factors, amino acids, and cellular energy levels. In contrast, mTORC2 is primarily regulated by the PI3K/AKT signaling axis and regulates cell survival, metabolism, and cytoskeletal organization. mTORC1 inhibits autophagy by phosphorylating multiple autophagy-related proteins and preventing the transcriptional activation of autophagy genes. mTOR inhibitors, such as rapamycin and its derivatives (rapalogs), have been developed for therapeutic use in various diseases, including cancer and neurodegenerative disorders. These inhibitors induce autophagy and have anti-proliferative effects. Metformin, a biguanide used for treating type II diabetes, also inhibits mTORC1 and induces autophagy. The regulation of autophagy by mTOR inhibitors offers a promising therapeutic strategy for various diseases, but their use must be carefully considered due to potential side effects and the need for further research to optimize their application.