The O21-404 monoclonal antibody recognizes the human mammalian target of rapmycin,(mTOR) that is phosphorylated at
serine residue 2448, mTOR (pS2448). mTOR belongs to the phosphoinositide-3-kinase (PI3K)-related (PIKK) family of kinases. mTOR is also known as mechanistic target of rapamycin (serine/threonine kinase), FRAP, RAFT1, and RAPT1. mTOR functions as an amino acid and ATP sensor to balance nutrient availability and cell growth. When nutrients are sufficiently available, mTOR is activated by phosphorylation at serine residue 2448 through the PI3 kinase/Akt signaling pathway. Phosphorylated mTOR in turn activates the p70 S6 kinase and contributes to the inactivation 4E-BP1, an elF4E inhibitor. In this way, mTOR participates in the upregulation of cellular protein synthesis, growth, proliferation and survival. mTOR function may be abnormally regulated in tumors.