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Review: Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) Pathway Is Critical in Developing Most Renal Cell Tumors

Kevin J Zhang1, Zhenhong Qu2, Elan Pszenica3

  • 1Division of Hematology and Oncology, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, Boston, MA, USA Ping.Zhang@beaumont.edu.

Annals of Clinical and Laboratory Science
|March 8, 2023
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Renal cell carcinomas (RCC) often involve the mTOR pathway. Mutations in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) can drive RCC proliferation by affecting mTOR signaling, impacting diagnosis and treatment.

Area of Science:

  • Nephrology
  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology

Background:

  • Renal cell carcinomas (RCC) originate from distinct renal tubular segments, influencing their characteristics.
  • The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway is frequently implicated in RCC pathogenesis, regulating metabolic and nutritional processes.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To correlate tumor morphology and immunohistochemical phenotype with renal tubular differentiation.
  • To highlight the shared role of the mTOR pathway in various renal cell neoplasms.

Main Methods:

  • Review of existing literature on RCC subtypes and their molecular signaling.
  • Analysis of the role of mTOR pathway dysregulation in different RCC entities.

Main Results:

  • Overexpressed mTOR signals are found in over 90% of common RCC types.
  • Somatic mutations in tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) lead to mTOR dysregulation.
  • This mTOR activation is observed in new entities like RCC with fibromyomatous stroma (RCCFMS), eosinophilic vacuolated tumor, and others.

Conclusions:

  • Understanding the link between morphology, immunohistochemistry, and renal tubular differentiation is crucial.
  • The shared mTOR pathway is a vital target for diagnosing and managing renal cell neoplasms.
Keywords:
mTORmutationsrenal cell neoplasmtreatment resistancetuberous sclerosis complex

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