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The Role of mTOR Signaling as a Therapeutic Target in Cancer

Nadezhda V Popova1, Manfred Jücker2

  • 1Laboratory of Receptor Cell Biology, Shemyakin-Ovchinnikov Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Russian Academy of Sciences, Miklukho-Maklaya Str., 16/10, 117997 Moscow, Russia.

International Journal of Molecular Sciences
|February 12, 2021
PubMed

Insights

The phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is crucial in cancer. This review explores its role in cancer, therapeutic targeting, and challenges like resistance.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway regulates fundamental cellular processes like growth, metabolism, and survival.
  • Deregulation of this pathway is implicated in various cancers, metabolic disorders, and aging.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in cancer.
  • To summarize current therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway.
  • To discuss challenges associated with PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibition in cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of current scientific information.
  • Analysis of the structure, function, and deregulation mechanisms of the mTOR pathway in cancer.
  • Examination of clinical data on PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is frequently altered in human cancers.
  • Inhibitors targeting this pathway show promise in clinical studies for cancer treatment.
  • Resistance mechanisms and adverse effects are significant challenges in therapy.

Conclusions:

  • The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is a critical target for novel cancer therapies.
  • Further research is needed to overcome resistance and manage side effects of mTOR inhibitors.
  • Targeting this pathway holds potential for improved cancer treatment outcomes.
Keywords:
AKTPI3KcancermTORmutationtherapy

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