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The evolution of the TOR pathway and its role in cancer

E M Beauchamp1, L C Platanias

  • 1Robert H Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Division of Hematology/Oncology, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, IL, USA.

Oncogene
|December 19, 2012
PubMed

Insights

The target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway regulates cell growth and is crucial for development and aging. Targeting this pathway offers therapeutic strategies for cancers and other diseases.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway is a highly conserved signaling cascade essential for coupling nutrient availability to cellular growth and metabolism.
  • TOR exists in two complexes, TOR complex 1 (TORC1) and TOR complex 2 (TORC2), which regulate diverse cellular processes including protein synthesis, cytoskeleton organization, autophagy, and cell survival.
  • Dysregulation of the mammalian TOR (mTOR) pathway is implicated in embryonic development, aging, lifespan, and the tumorigenesis of various cancers, as well as familial cancer syndromes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the biological significance of the TOR pathway in cellular processes and its implications in human diseases.
  • To discuss the development of therapeutic strategies targeting the TOR signaling cascade for clinical applications.
  • To explore the potential of multimodal treatment approaches for enhancing therapeutic efficacy in malignancies.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of the target of rapamycin (TOR) pathway.
  • Analysis of the role of TOR complexes in cellular functions.
  • Examination of mTOR pathway deregulation in cancer and aging.
  • Overview of pharmacological inhibitors and therapeutic strategies targeting the TOR pathway.

Main Results:

  • The TOR pathway is fundamental for nutrient sensing and cellular growth, impacting development, aging, and survival.
  • mTOR pathway deregulation is a key factor in multiple cancer types and associated with aging.
  • Pharmacological inhibitors targeting the TOR pathway are in clinical use or development for cancer treatment.

Conclusions:

  • The TOR pathway's critical role in cellular functions and disease necessitates targeted therapeutic interventions.
  • Targeting the mTOR pathway presents a promising strategy for treating various malignancies.
  • Multimodal treatment strategies offer potential for improved therapeutic outcomes in cancer by targeting multiple pathway nodes or feedback loops.

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