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Vascular mTOR-dependent mechanisms linking the control of aging to Alzheimer's disease

Veronica Galvan1, Matthew J Hart2

  • 1Department of Physiology and the Barshop Institute for Longevity and Aging Studies, University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio.

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|December 8, 2015
PubMed

Insights

Aging accelerates Alzheimer's disease (AD) risk. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway links aging regulation to AD, potentially via brain vascular dysfunction.

Area of Science:

  • Neuroscience
  • Aging research
  • Vascular biology

Background:

  • Aging is the primary risk factor for Alzheimer's disease (AD).
  • The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway regulates aging processes.
  • Brain vascular dysfunction is a common feature of aging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To explore the link between mTOR-dependent aging regulation and Alzheimer's disease pathogenesis.
  • To review evidence on mTOR's role in brain vascular dysfunction as a mediator for AD.

Main Methods:

  • Review of emerging scientific literature.
  • Analysis of mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway in aging and AD.
  • Examination of brain vascular dysfunction as a potential link.

Main Results:

  • The mTOR pathway is a key regulator of aging.
  • mTOR influences brain vascular function, which declines with age.
  • This vascular dysfunction may connect aging processes to Alzheimer's development.

Conclusions:

  • mTOR-dependent brain vascular dysfunction is a potential mechanism linking aging to Alzheimer's disease.
  • Targeting the mTOR pathway could offer new therapeutic strategies for AD.
  • Understanding vascular contributions to AD is crucial for developing effective treatments.
Keywords:
AgingAlzheimer'sGeroscienceMTORNeurovascular agingTarget of rapamycin

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