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mTOR signaling in stem and progenitor cells
Delong Meng1,2,3, Anderson R Frank1,2,3, Jenna L Jewell4,2,3
1Department of Molecular Biology, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX 75390, USA.
Abstract:
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) senses nutrients and growth factors to coordinate cell growth, metabolism and autophagy. Extensive research has mapped the signaling pathways regulated by mTOR that are involved in human diseases, such as cancer, and in diabetes and ageing. Recently, however, new studies have demonstrated important roles for mTOR in promoting the differentiation of adult stem cells, driving the growth and proliferation of stem and progenitor cells, and dictating the differentiation program of multipotent stem cell populations. Here, we review these advances, providing an overview of mTOR signaling and its role in murine and human stem and progenitor cells.
Insights
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is crucial for cell growth and metabolism. New research highlights mTOR
Area of Science:
- Cellular Biology
- Biochemistry
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway regulates fundamental cellular processes like growth, metabolism, and autophagy.
- mTOR signaling is implicated in various human diseases, including cancer, diabetes, and aging.
- Recent discoveries reveal novel functions of mTOR in stem cell biology.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the recent advances in understanding mTOR signaling in stem and progenitor cells.
- To provide an overview of mTOR's role in adult stem cell differentiation and proliferation.
- To discuss the implications of mTOR in multipotent stem cell differentiation programs.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent studies on mTOR signaling.
- Analysis of research on mTOR's function in murine and human stem cells.
- Synthesis of findings on mTOR's role in cell growth, metabolism, and differentiation.
Main Results:
- mTOR signaling is essential for promoting adult stem cell differentiation.
- mTOR drives the growth and proliferation of stem and progenitor cells.
- mTOR dictates the differentiation pathways of multipotent stem cell populations.
Conclusions:
- mTOR plays a critical role in regulating the behavior of stem and progenitor cells.
- Understanding mTOR signaling in stem cells opens new avenues for regenerative medicine and disease treatment.
- Further research into mTOR's precise mechanisms in stem cells is warranted.
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