Ken Inoki Lab

We investigate the function and regulation of the mTOR signaling pathway to better understand its role in diabetes, aging and cancer.

Our Research

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 the mammalian TOR (mTOR) signaling pathway is involved in the development of diseases including cancer and metabolic disorders.

Using biochemical and genetic approaches, we investigate the function and regulation of the mTOR signaling pathway and the role of mTOR signaling in disease.

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Ken Inoki, M.D., Ph.D.

Roger C. Wiggins Collegiate Professor of the Life Sciences
Research Associate Professor, U-M Life Sciences Institute
Associate Professor, Division of Nephrology, Department of Internal Medicine, U-M Medical School
Associate Professor, Department of Molecular & Integrative Physiology, U-M Medical School

Publication Highlights

LARP1 functions as a molecular switch for mTORC1-mediated translation of an essential class of mRNAs

Hong S, Freeberg MA, Han T, Kamath A, Yao Y, Fukuda T, Suzuki T, Kim JK, Inoki K, Elife (2017)

Inhibition of AMPK catabolic action by GSK3

Suzuki T, Bridges D, Nakada D, Skiniotis G, Morrison SJ, Lin JD, Saltiel AR, Inoki K, Mol Cell (2013)

mTORC1 activation in podocytes is a critical step in the development of diabetic nephropathy in mice

Inoki K, Mori H, Wang J, Suzuki T, Hong S, Yoshida S, Blattner SM, Ikenoue T, Rüegg MA, Hall MN, Kwiatkowski DJ, Rastaldi MP, Huber TB, Kretzler M, Holzman LB, Wiggins RC, Guan KL, J Clin Invest (2011)

Inoki Lab

Room 6183
Life Sciences Institute
Mary Sue Coleman Hall
210 Washtenaw Avenue
Ann Arbor, MI 48109-2216