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Role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling in oncogenesis

Mohamed El-Tanani1, Hamdi Nsairat2, Alaa A Aljabali3

  • 1Pharmacological and Diagnostic Research Center, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Ahliyya Amman University, Amman 19328, Jordan; Institute of Cancer Therapeutics, University of Bradford, Bradford, West Yorkshire BD7 1DP, United Kingdom.

Life Sciences
|April 7, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway regulates cell proliferation. Deregulation of this crucial signaling pathway is linked to cancer growth and progression.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology
  • Oncology

Background:

  • The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key signaling pathway involved in regulating cell proliferation and growth.
  • mTOR integrates signals from growth factors, nutrients, and cellular stress.
  • Aberrant mTOR signaling is implicated in various human diseases, particularly cancer.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the normal physiological functions of the mTOR pathway.
  • To elucidate the role of mTOR deregulation in cancer development and progression.
  • To provide a comprehensive overview of mTOR signaling in both normal and cancerous states.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of existing scientific publications.
  • Analysis of studies investigating mTOR pathway components and functions.
  • Synthesis of information on mTOR's role in cell proliferation and cancer.

Main Results:

  • mTOR is essential for normal cellular processes, including protein synthesis, cell growth, and metabolism.
  • Dysregulation of the mTOR pathway, including hyperactivation, is frequently observed in diverse types of cancer.
  • The PI3K-AKT pathway is a major upstream regulator of mTOR activity, responding to various stress signals.

Conclusions:

  • The mTOR pathway is a critical regulator of cell proliferation with vital roles in normal physiology.
  • Aberrant mTOR signaling is a significant driver of tumorigenesis and cancer progression.
  • Targeting the mTOR pathway presents a promising therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
Keywords:
ApoptosisPathological angiogenesisRapamycin and rapaloguesSignalling cascademTOR

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