In response to growth factors and nutrients, target of rapamycin (TOR) plays essential roles in a wide array of cellular processes including protein translation, gene transcription, apoptosis, and autophagy. Dysregulation of mammalian TOR (mTOR) signaling pathway is involved in the development of human diseases including cancer and metabolic diseases such as diabetes. Using biochemical and genetic approaches, the Inoki lab is investigating the function and regulation of the mTOR signaling pathway and also elucidating the role of mTOR signaling in the development and progression of human diseases such as diabetes.