mTOR Signalling in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Unveiling Key Factors, Mechanistic Insights, and Possible Therapeutic...

Area of Science:

• Neuroscience
• Molecular Biology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) involve gradual neuronal cell degeneration and misfolded protein accumulation.
• Current treatments for NDDs are limited, highlighting the need for novel therapeutic strategies.
• The mTOR protein is a central regulator of critical cellular processes including survival, growth, autophagy, and apoptosis.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the potential of targeting the mTOR signaling pathway for neuroprotection.
• To investigate the role of mTOR in the pathogenesis of various NDDs.
• To understand the interplay between mTOR and other key cellular pathways in neurodegeneration.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and analysis of existing research on mTOR signaling in NDDs.
• Examination of mTOR's regulatory functions in cellular processes relevant to neurodegeneration.
• Investigation of mTOR's interactions with pathways such as PI3K/Akt, AMPK, and SIRT1.

Main Results:

• mTOR signaling plays a critical role in neuronal cell survival, growth, autophagy, and apoptosis.
• Dysregulation of mTOR pathways is implicated in the progression of Alzheimer's, Huntington's, ALS, and Parkinson's disease.
• Targeting mTOR offers a potential therapeutic avenue for mitigating neurodegeneration.

Conclusions:

• Modulating mTOR signaling is a promising strategy for developing treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.
• Understanding mTOR's interactions with PI3K/Akt, AMPK, and SIRT1 is crucial for effective therapeutic development.
• Targeted mTOR modulation could offer a novel approach to combatting neuronal cell death and dysfunction in NDDs.