mTOR Signaling in Kidney Diseases

Yuan Gui1, Chunsun Dai2

  • 1Department of Nephrology, University of Connecticut Health Center, Farmington, Connecticut.

Kidney360
|April 4, 2022
PubMed

Insights

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway regulates kidney cell growth and survival. Dysregulation of mTOR signaling contributes to kidney diseases, but targeting it may offer therapeutic benefits.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key kinase regulating cellular processes.
  • mTOR signaling is vital for maintaining kidney homeostasis under normal conditions.
  • Aberrant mTOR activation is implicated in various kidney pathologies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the role of mTOR signaling in kidney physiology and injury.
  • To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting mTOR in kidney diseases.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of recent studies on mTOR signaling in renal contexts.
  • Analysis of mTOR's involvement in cellular homeostasis, regeneration, and disease progression.

Main Results:

  • Physiologic mTOR activation supports podocyte and tubular cell health.
  • Activated mTOR in AKI promotes renal repair.
  • Constitutive mTOR activation drives kidney diseases like glomerular hypertrophy, fibrosis, and cancer.

Conclusions:

  • mTOR signaling plays a dual role in kidney health and disease.
  • Targeting mTOR presents a promising therapeutic strategy for kidney diseases.

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