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mTOR: on target for novel therapeutic strategies in the nervous system

Kenneth Maiese1, Zhao Zhong Chong, Yan Chen Shang

  • 1Laboratory of Cellular and Molecular Signaling, Cancer Center, New Jersey Health Sciences University, Newark, NJ 07101, USA. wntin75@yahoo.com

Trends in Molecular Medicine
|December 26, 2012
PubMed

Insights

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway regulates cell growth and death. Understanding mTOR signaling is key for developing new neurological disorder treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Cellular Biology
  • Neuroscience
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is central to mTORC1 and mTORC2 protein complexes.
  • mTOR signaling influences cellular development, tissue repair, stem cell behavior, and cell death (apoptosis/autophagy).
  • Dysregulation of mTOR signaling is implicated in various neurological disorders.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the critical role of mTOR signaling in cellular functions and its implications in neurological diseases.
  • To highlight key mTOR interactors and their influence on neurodegenerative and neurological conditions.
  • To underscore the potential of targeting mTOR for novel therapeutic strategies in the nervous system.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on mTOR signaling pathways.
  • Analysis of mTOR interactors and their roles in cellular processes.
  • Examination of mTOR's involvement in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders.

Main Results:

  • mTOR signaling governs fundamental cellular processes including stem cell fate and cell death.
  • Numerous interactors, including p70S6K, 4EBP1, and GSK-3β, modulate mTOR activity.
  • Aberrant mTOR signaling is linked to Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, Huntington's diseases, tuberous sclerosis, and epilepsy.

Conclusions:

  • mTOR signaling is a critical regulator of cellular homeostasis and neuronal function.
  • Targeting mTOR presents a promising therapeutic avenue for neurological diseases.
  • Further elucidation of mTOR pathway complexity is essential for safe and effective clinical applications.

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