How mTOR and Small Cell Particles Connect Chemical Stress to Communication Between Organisms

Environmental contaminants may influence cellular resource allocation and communication processes, particularly through the mTOR pathway.

• Environmental stress can shift cellular priorities from growth to maintenance and communication.
• The mTOR pathway plays a key role in regulating both autophagy and the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs).
• Autophagy supports cellular maintenance, while EVs facilitate intercellular communication.
• Changes in intracellular signaling may impact molecular information exchange among cells and potentially organisms.
• Studies focusing on EVs can enhance understanding of these processes and may offer new methods for non-invasive environmental monitoring.

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