mTOR in programmed cell death and its therapeutic implications

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Molecular Biology
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key kinase regulating cellular processes like metabolism and protein synthesis.
• Programmed cell death (PCD) is essential for tissue homeostasis, immunity, and eliminating damaged cells.
• mTOR signaling is intricately linked to various forms of PCD, influencing cell survival and death.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review recent advances in understanding mTOR-mediated regulatory mechanisms in programmed cell death (PCD).
• To elucidate the dual role of mTOR in both autophagy-dependent and -independent PCD pathways.
• To highlight the potential of targeting mTOR signaling for therapeutic interventions in diseases involving aberrant PCD.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of current research on mTOR and PCD.
• Analysis of signaling pathways involved in autophagy-dependent and -independent PCD.
• Synthesis of findings on mTOR's role in regulating cell death processes, including ferroptosis.

Main Results:

• mTOR influences PCD by inhibiting autophagy, affecting reactive oxygen species, and regulating protein degradation.
• mTOR also modulates PCD independently of autophagy by altering gene expression and protein phosphorylation.
• mTOR exhibits bidirectional regulation of PCD, with complex mechanisms yet to be fully elucidated.

Conclusions:

• mTOR plays a critical role in regulating programmed cell death through diverse autophagy-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
• Further investigation into mTOR-mediated PCD pathways is crucial for understanding its bidirectional regulatory roles.
• Targeting mTOR signaling pathways presents promising therapeutic avenues for diseases characterized by dysregulated cell death.