Targeting mTOR for fighting diseases: A revisited review of mTOR inhibitors

Area of Science:

• Biochemistry
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a kinase implicated in human diseases, including tumors and neurodegenerative disorders.
• Inhibiting mTOR signaling pathways can block abnormal growth factor signal transduction, potentially preventing disease development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To summarize the basic structures of mTOR and its complexes.
• To review key upstream and downstream signaling pathways regulated by mTOR.
• To characterize the structures and properties of three generations of mTOR inhibitors in disease contexts.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of mTOR structure and function.
• Analysis of signaling pathways upstream and downstream of mTOR.
• Compilation and comparison of data on first, second, and third-generation mTOR inhibitors.

Main Results:

• Detailed overview of mTOR and its associated complexes.
• Identification of critical signaling cascades influenced by mTOR.
• Characterization of rapamycin derivatives, ATP-competitive inhibitors, and the novel RapaLink-1.

Conclusions:

• Understanding mTOR mechanisms and inhibitors is vital for developing new treatments.
• Third-generation inhibitors like RapaLink-1 show enhanced efficiency by combining rapamycin and kinase inhibition.
• Further research into mTOR inhibitors holds promise for combating various human diseases.