mTOR suppression limits ribosomal-gene damage

This proposed hypothesis asks whether mTOR suppression could protect tissues and extend remaining lifespan by limiting damage to ribosomal RNA genes, DNA regions for the protein-making machinery. It proposes that mTOR suppression reduces transcription, copying DNA into RNA, leaving fewer RNA-DNA hybrids, structures in which RNA pairs with DNA, and fewer new breaks in these genes, even with mitophagy, removal of damaged mitochondria, suppressed. The decisive test restores genome damage while mTOR suppression continues. If benefits to tissue function and survival persist, this mechanism would be rejected. Testing requires hybrid and damage maps, assays of newly made RNA, controlled changes to the proposed mediator, and longitudinal tissue-function and survival studies.