mTOR pathway and DNA damage response: A therapeutic strategy in cancer therapy

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway, comprising mTORC1 and mTORC2 complexes, is vital for cell growth, metabolism, survival, and protein synthesis.
• Dysregulation of the mTOR pathway is implicated in various cancers.
• The DNA damage response (DDR) is essential for maintaining genomic stability and presents therapeutic opportunities in cancer treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To discuss the role of the mTOR signaling pathway and its regulators in cancer development.
• To review the intricate interactions between DNA damage response (DDR) and mTOR signaling.
• To highlight innovative therapies targeting the mTOR pathway in preclinical and clinical cancer trials.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of studies on mTOR signaling in cancer.
• Analysis of the interplay between DNA damage response (DDR) and mTOR pathways.
• Examination of preclinical and clinical trial data for mTOR inhibitors in cancer therapy.

Main Results:

• The mTOR pathway is a critical regulator of cellular processes frequently altered in cancer.
• Interactions between DDR and mTOR signaling pathways influence cancer progression and treatment response.
• mTOR inhibitors are established and emerging therapeutic agents for various cancers, with ongoing clinical evaluation.

Conclusions:

• The mTOR pathway is a significant target for cancer therapy.
• Understanding the crosstalk between DDR and mTOR signaling can lead to more effective treatment strategies.
• Further clinical trials are necessary to fully elucidate the efficacy of mTOR inhibitors in diverse cancer types.