Mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin: Recent pathological aspects and inhibitors

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Cell Biology

Background:

• The mechanistic/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway regulates critical cellular processes like transcription, growth, and autophagy.
• Dysregulation of mTOR signaling, driven by factors such as amino acids and growth factors, contributes to diseases including cancer and neurodegeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding mTOR's role in cancer, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases.
• To summarize the chemical and biological properties of novel small molecule mTOR kinase inhibitors.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies published between 2012 and 2017.
• Analysis of mTOR's mechanistic involvement in disease pathogenesis.
• Evaluation of small molecule inhibitors targeting mTOR.

Main Results:

• mTOR signaling is a key mechanism in the development of cancer, aging, and neurodegenerative conditions.
• Various small molecule inhibitors, including ATP-competitive and dual mTOR/PI3K inhibitors, have been developed.
• Recent research highlights the therapeutic potential of modulating mTOR activity.

Conclusions:

• The mTOR pathway is a significant therapeutic target for cancer, aging, and neurodegenerative diseases.
• Ongoing research into mTOR inhibitors offers promising avenues for disease treatment.
• Further investigation into mTOR's complex roles is warranted.