mTOR is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates cellular metabolism and is a master regulator of cell growth and proliferation. It plays a crucial role in autophagy regulation and is involved in various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. mTOR forms two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, which regulate different cellular processes. mTORC1 promotes anabolic metabolism and inhibits autophagy, while mTORC2 is involved in cell survival and cytoskeletal organization. The TSC complex negatively regulates mTORC1, and its dysfunction leads to uncontrolled growth. mTORC1 is also regulated by growth factors, energy levels, and amino acids. mTORC1 inhibition promotes autophagy, which is essential for cellular homeostasis and disease treatment. Rapamycin and rapalogs are mTOR inhibitors that induce autophagy and have been used in cancer therapy. However, their effectiveness varies among cell types and diseases. Other mTOR inhibitors, such as mTOR-KIs, have been developed to more effectively regulate autophagy. Metformin, a drug used for diabetes, also induces autophagy by inhibiting mTORC1. mTOR inhibitors have shown promise in treating various diseases, but their side effects and long-term efficacy need further study. Autophagy is a complex process that can be beneficial or harmful depending on the disease context. The regulation of mTOR and autophagy is critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis and treating diseases.mTOR is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates cellular metabolism and is a master regulator of cell growth and proliferation. It plays a crucial role in autophagy regulation and is involved in various diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and neurodegenerative disorders. mTOR forms two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, which regulate different cellular processes. mTORC1 promotes anabolic metabolism and inhibits autophagy, while mTORC2 is involved in cell survival and cytoskeletal organization. The TSC complex negatively regulates mTORC1, and its dysfunction leads to uncontrolled growth. mTORC1 is also regulated by growth factors, energy levels, and amino acids. mTORC1 inhibition promotes autophagy, which is essential for cellular homeostasis and disease treatment. Rapamycin and rapalogs are mTOR inhibitors that induce autophagy and have been used in cancer therapy. However, their effectiveness varies among cell types and diseases. Other mTOR inhibitors, such as mTOR-KIs, have been developed to more effectively regulate autophagy. Metformin, a drug used for diabetes, also induces autophagy by inhibiting mTORC1. mTOR inhibitors have shown promise in treating various diseases, but their side effects and long-term efficacy need further study. Autophagy is a complex process that can be beneficial or harmful depending on the disease context. The regulation of mTOR and autophagy is critical for maintaining cellular homeostasis and treating diseases.