We analyzed a new hypomorphic mouse model containing a targeted intronic insertion of a neomycin cassette within the mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) locus. Mice with two hypomorphic (mTORΔ/Δ) alleles are viable but express mTOR at approximately 25% of wild type levels. These animals demonstrate reduced mTORC1 and mTORC2 activity and exhibit an approximate 20% increase in median survival. While mTORΔ/Δ mice are smaller than wild type mice, these animals do not demonstrate any alterations in normalized food intake, glucose homeostasis or metabolic rate. Consistent with their increased lifespan, mTORΔ/Δ mice exhibited a reduction in a number of aging tissue biomarkers. Functional assessment suggested that as mTORΔ/Δ mice age, they exhibit a marked functional preservation in many but not all organ systems. Thus, in a mammalian model, while reducing mTOR expression markedly increases overall lifespan, it affects the age-dependent decline in tissue and organ function in a segmental fashion.
