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Updated: May 13, 2026

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Quantification of the Immunosuppressant Tacrolimus on Dried Blood Spots Using LC-MS/MS
Published on: November 8, 2015
[mTORC1 and sirolimus: a link with fertility]
Pauline Tartarin1, Pascal Froment
1Unité physiologie de la reproduction et des comportements, UMR 6073 Inra-CNRS-université F. Rabelais de Tours, Nouzilly, France. tartarinp@gmail.com
Summary
Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) regulates cell nutrient levels. This review explores how mTOR signaling impacts male and female fertility, noting potential fertility issues with rapamycin treatment.
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Reproductive Endocrinology
Background:
- The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a conserved protein kinase central to cellular signaling.
- mTOR exists in two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, which integrate nutrient and growth factor signals.
- mTORC1 is inhibited by rapamycin, a drug used for immunosuppression and anti-proliferation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of mTOR signaling in the male and female reproductive systems.
- To investigate the potential impact of rapamycin treatment on fertility.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating mTOR signaling pathways.
- Analysis of research on rapamycin's effects on reproductive function.
Main Results:
- mTOR signaling is crucial for maintaining reproductive homeostasis.
- Rapamycin treatment, while therapeutically beneficial in some contexts, has been associated with adverse effects on fertility.
Conclusions:
- mTOR plays a significant role in both male and female reproductive axes.
- Further research is needed to fully understand and mitigate the fertility-related side effects of mTOR inhibitors.
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