Nutrient accelerates cellular aging processes through metabolic stress. The detrimental effects of nutrient overload to health span are partially mediated by mTORC1 (mechanistic Target of Rapamycin Complex 1), an evolutionarily conserved nutrient-sensing kinase that signals for increase in anabolic processes. mTORC1 activity has been directly linked to aging and age-associated diseases in a diverse range of organisms including humans, mice, flies and worms. Remarkably, genetic or pharmacological inhibition of mTORC1 improved the health and increased the lifespan of several animal models of premature aging. Although the molecular mechanisms for mTORC1 activation by amino acids and growth factors are well established, recent findings indicate that excess glucose stimulates mTORC1 signaling through unconventional mechanisms that are not completely understood. Glucose metabolism directly and indirectly stimulates the production of the small metabolite inositol hexakisphosphate (IP6). Recent structural studies revealed that IP6 is tightly associated with mTOR, the catalytic subunit of mTORC1. Preliminary data suggest that IP6 binding to mTOR stabilizes the in vitro association between mTOR and RAPTOR, the regulatory subunit of mTORC1. The goal of this proposal is to establish a role for IP6 in the regulation of mTORC1 signaling in vivo and to assess whether targeting the metabolic pathways for IP6 synthesis will prevent cellular aging and promote longevity. In specific aim 1, the impact of IP6 metabolism on mTOR signaling and cellular ageing will be investigated. IP6 synthesis will be manipulated by suppression of the two critical kinases that catalyze the synthesis of IP6 – IPMK and IPK1. In addition we will suppress ISYNA1, the enzyme that catalyzes de novo synthesis of inositol from glucose. The direct effects of cellular IP6 on mTORC1/2 complex assembly and stability will be examined using recombinant mTOR mutants that are unable to bind to IP6. In specific aim 2, the crosstalk between IP6 metabolism and mTORC1 signaling will be genetically tested using C. elegans as a model for assessing longevity. Epistasis studies will be performed to determine how IPMK and IPK1 interact with of mTORC1. Suppression of enzymes involved in IP6 synthesis are predicted to protect worms from mTORC1- induced premature aging. Understanding the impact of IP6 on mTORC1 signaling and in aging will open up new opportunities for targeting these pathways to improve health.