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Targeting the mTOR Pathway in Leukemia.
Shira Dinner1, Leonidas C Platanias1,2
1Division of Hematology-Oncology, Robert H. Lurie Comprehensive Cancer Center, Feinberg School of Medicine, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, 60611.
Journal of Cellular Biochemistry
|March 29, 2016
Summary
Dysregulated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling drives leukemia. Targeting this pathway offers a promising strategy for overcoming chemotherapy resistance in leukemia patients.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Intracellular signaling pathways are crucial for cell regulation.
- Leukemia involves dysregulated cell signaling, leading to uncontrolled proliferation.
- Resistance to targeted therapies like tyrosine kinase inhibitors can emerge.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway dysregulation in various leukemias.
- To summarize emerging therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling in leukemia.
- Analysis of data on therapeutic approaches and resistance mechanisms.
Main Results:
- Constitutive activation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR is observed in CML, AML, and ALL.
- Abnormal mTOR activity correlates with chemotherapy resistance.
- Targeting PI3K/Akt/mTOR shows potential for novel leukemia treatments.
Conclusions:
- PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway dysregulation is a key factor in leukemia development and progression.
- Pharmacological inhibition of this pathway represents a promising therapeutic avenue for leukemia.
- Further research into PI3K/Akt/mTOR targeted therapies is warranted for refractory leukemia.
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