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Published on: February 20, 2019
Modulating mTOR Signaling as a Promising Therapeutic Strategy for Atherosclerosis
Anastasia V Poznyak1, Vasily N Sukhorukov2,3, Alexander Zhuravlev2
1Skolkovo Innovative Center, Institute for Atherosclerosis Research, Osennyaya Street 4-1-207, 121609 Moscow, Russia.
Abstract:
For more than a decade, atherosclerosis has been one of the leading causes of death in developed countries. The issue of treatment and prevention of the disease is especially acute. Despite the huge amount of basic and clinical research, a significant number of gaps remain in our understanding of the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis, and only their closure will bring us closer to understanding the causes of the disease at the cellular and molecular levels and, accordingly, to the development of an effective treatment. One of the seemingly well-studied elements of atherogenesis is the mTOR signaling pathway. However, more and more new details are still being clarified. Therapeutic strategies associated with rapamycin have worked well in a number of different diseases, and there is every reason to believe that targeting components of the mTOR pathway may pay off in atherosclerosis as well.
Insights
Atherosclerosis remains a leading cause of death, prompting research into its pathogenesis. Targeting the mTOR signaling pathway, a key factor in atherogenesis, shows promise for developing effective atherosclerosis treatments.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Research
- Molecular Biology
- Pathogenesis of Atherosclerosis
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a major cause of mortality in developed nations.
- Significant knowledge gaps persist in understanding atherosclerosis pathogenesis.
- The mTOR signaling pathway is a critical, yet incompletely understood, component of atherogenesis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the role of the mTOR signaling pathway in atherosclerosis.
- To explore potential therapeutic strategies targeting the mTOR pathway for atherosclerosis treatment.
Main Methods:
- Review of current basic and clinical research on atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of the mTOR signaling pathway's involvement in atherogenesis.
- Evaluation of rapamycin-based therapeutic strategies in other diseases.
Main Results:
- The mTOR pathway is a key player in the development of atherosclerosis.
- New details regarding the mTOR pathway's function in atherogenesis are continually emerging.
- Rapamycin has demonstrated efficacy in treating various diseases, suggesting potential for atherosclerosis.
Conclusions:
- Targeting the mTOR pathway represents a promising therapeutic avenue for atherosclerosis.
- Further research into the mTOR pathway could lead to novel and effective atherosclerosis treatments.
- Understanding atherosclerosis at cellular and molecular levels is crucial for effective intervention.
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