Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 2, 2026

Network Pharmacology and Validation of the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Qiangzhifang in a Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Depression Rat Model
08:15

Network Pharmacology and Validation of the Antidepressant Mechanisms of Qiangzhifang in a Chronic Restraint Stress-induced Depression Rat Model

Published on: June 6, 2025

744

The role of mTOR in depression and antidepressant responses

Helena M Abelaira1, Gislaine Z Réus2, Morgana V Neotti1

  • 1Laboratório de Neurociências, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências da Saúde, Unidade Acadêmica de Ciências da Saúde, Universidade do Extremo Sul Catarinense, Criciúma, SC, Brazil.

Life Sciences
|March 4, 2014
PubMed

Insights

Major depressive disorder is linked to deficits in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling. Antidepressants, particularly ketamine, activate this pathway, offering potential new therapeutic targets.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Pharmacology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Major depressive disorder (MDD) is associated with significant deficits in mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling within the prefrontal cortex.
  • The mTOR signaling pathway plays a crucial role in cellular processes implicated in mood regulation and neuronal function.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To characterize the mTOR signaling cascade in the context of depression.
  • To investigate the effects of antidepressant drugs, with a focus on ketamine, on the mTOR pathway.

Main Methods:

  • A comprehensive literature review was conducted.
  • Textbooks and journal articles were verified and compared to synthesize information on mTOR signaling, depression, and antidepressant actions.

Main Results:

  • Postmortem studies reveal substantial deficits in mTOR signaling in the prefrontal cortex of individuals with MDD.
  • The antidepressant response observed with various drugs appears strongly linked to N-methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptor antagonists, such as ketamine, which modulate mTOR signaling.

Conclusions:

  • Characterizing the mTOR pathway in depression and its response to antidepressants highlights its potential as a therapeutic target.
  • Further research into mTOR signaling could lead to the development of novel antidepressant drugs.
Keywords:
AntidepressantsDepressionKetaminemTOR

More Related Videos

Animal Models of Depression - Chronic Despair Model CDM05:47

Animal Models of Depression - Chronic Despair Model CDM

Published on: September 23, 2021

7.4K
The Forced Swim Test as a Model of Depressive-like Behavior05:42

The Forced Swim Test as a Model of Depressive-like Behavior

Published on: March 2, 2015

39.0K

Related Concept Videos

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...
3.6K
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

1.5K
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a...
5.1K
Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents01:23

Antidepressant Drugs: MAOIs and Other Agents

Atypical antidepressants, including bupropion (Wellbutrin), mirtazapine (Remeron), nefazodone (Serzone), trazodone (Desyrel), and vilazodone (Viibryd), offer unique mechanisms of action. Bupropion weakly inhibits dopamine and norepinephrine reuptake, aiding depression treatment and smoking cessation, with a low risk of sexual dysfunction. Mirtazapine enhances serotonin and norepinephrine neurotransmission, leading to sedation, increased appetite, and weight gain. As a result, it helps treat...
1.3K
Depression: Overview01:18

Depression: Overview

Depression is a prevalent mental illness marked by persistent sadness and lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. It can take several forms, including major depression, persistent depressive disorder, and bipolar I and II disorders. Symptoms range from emotional changes like chronic worry to physical changes like sleep disturbances and suicidal thoughts. From a neurobiological perspective, depression is believed to be triggered by abnormalities in the brain's prefrontal cortex,...
1.2K
G-protein Coupled Receptors01:21

G-protein Coupled Receptors

G-protein coupled receptors are ligand binding receptors that indirectly affect changes in the cell. The actual receptor is a single polypeptide that transverses the cell membrane seven times creating intracellular and extracellular loops. The extracellular loops create a ligand specific pocket which binds to neurotransmitters or hormones. The intracellular loops holds onto the G-protein.
91.4K