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Cardiovascular disease and mTOR signaling

Zhao Zhong Chong1, Yan Chen Shang, Kenneth Maiese

  • 1Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Signaling, New Jersey Health Sciences University, Newark, NJ 07101, USA.

Trends in Cardiovascular Medicine
|June 27, 2012
PubMed

Insights

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathways regulate cell growth and survival. Understanding mTOR

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Biology
  • Cell Signaling
  • Molecular Medicine

Background:

  • The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is crucial for cell growth and survival, operating through two main complexes: mTORC1 and mTORC2.
  • While sharing components, mTORC1 is associated with Raptor, and mTORC2 with Rictor, mediating distinct cellular functions.
  • mTOR signaling integrates with Wnt and growth factor pathways, essential for endothelial and cardiomyocyte development.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the role of mTOR signaling pathways in cardiovascular health and disease.
  • To explore the protective mechanisms of mTOR activation against oxidative stress in cardiac and endothelial cells.
  • To investigate the potential therapeutic implications of modulating mTOR pathways in cardiovascular conditions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on mTOR signaling in cardiovascular contexts.
  • Analysis of mTORC1 and mTORC2 complex functions.
  • Examination of mTOR's role in apoptosis, autophagy, angiogenesis, and cell death.

Main Results:

  • mTOR activation regulates apoptosis and autophagy in differentiated endothelial and cardiac cells during oxidative stress, often via protein kinase B.
  • These protective mTOR pathways can promote angiogenesis and limit cell death, supporting cardiac repair and tissue regeneration.
  • Conversely, mTOR pathway blockade may be beneficial in certain scenarios to mitigate vasculopathy and improve microcirculatory flow.

Conclusions:

  • mTOR signaling plays a dual role in cardiovascular disease, offering protective effects through promoting repair and regeneration, but also potentially contributing to pathology.
  • Targeting mTOR pathways presents a promising therapeutic avenue for cardiovascular diseases, requiring careful consideration of specific contexts.
  • Further research into the intricate regulatory mechanisms of mTOR is essential for developing effective cardiovascular therapies.

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