mTOR Signalling Pathway: A Potential Therapeutic Target for Ocular Neurodegenerative Diseases

Area of Science:

• Ophthalmology
• Molecular Biology
• Neuroscience

Background:

• Ocular degenerative diseases share pathological processes, including oxidative stress.
• The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is implicated in these diseases.
• Oxidative stress and mTOR signaling have a complex, interdependent relationship.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the role of the mTOR pathway in ocular degenerative diseases.
• To summarize the application and mechanisms of rapamycin in retinal disease models.
• To update the clinical trial results of rapamycin for ocular neurodegenerative diseases.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of basic research on mTOR and oxidative stress in retinal diseases.
• Analysis of rapamycin's efficacy in various retinal disease models.
• Compilation and summary of recent clinical trial data for rapamycin in ocular conditions.

Main Results:

• mTOR signaling is a key factor in oxidative stress-related retinal degeneration.
• Rapamycin demonstrates therapeutic potential in preclinical models of retinal diseases.
• Clinical trials indicate rapamycin's emerging role in treating ocular neurodegeneration.

Conclusions:

• The mTOR pathway, modulated by rapamycin, is a significant therapeutic target for ocular degenerative diseases.
• Understanding the interplay between mTOR, autophagy, and oxidative stress is crucial for treatment development.
• Rapamycin holds promise for treating conditions such as age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and glaucoma.