mTOR signalling pathway in stem cell bioactivities and angiogenesis potential

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a crucial protein kinase responding to diverse stimuli like stress and starvation.
• mTOR signaling influences fundamental cellular processes including growth, proliferation, and metabolism.
• Its pleiotropic effects suggest a role in regulating various cell lineages.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the hypothesis that mTOR regulates stem cell bioactivity in response to external stimuli.
• To highlight the relationship between the mTOR signaling axis and stem cell regenerative potential.
• To explore mTOR's role in stem cell functions under physiological and pathological conditions.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature review of publications on mTOR and stem cells.
• Searched the PubMed database from inception to February 2023.
• Analysis of existing research on mTOR's impact on stem cell bioactivities.

Main Results:

• The mTOR signaling cascade significantly impacts various stem cell bioactivities.
• Angiogenesis is a key stem cell function notably affected by mTOR signaling.
• This effect is observed in both physiological and pathological contexts.

Conclusions:

• The mTOR pathway is a critical regulator of stem cell bioactivity and regenerative capacity.
• Targeting mTOR signaling presents a viable strategy for modulating stem cell-driven angiogenesis.
• Understanding mTOR's role is essential for harnessing stem cells in regenerative medicine.