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Panwar V, Singh A, Bhatt M, Tonk RK, Azizov S, Raza AS, Sengupta S, Kumar D, Garg M. Multifaceted role of mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signaling pathway in human health and disease. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2023; 8:375. [PMID: 37779156 PMCID: PMC10543444 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-023-01608-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/14/2023] [Indexed: 10/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase that controls cellular metabolism, catabolism, immune responses, autophagy, survival, proliferation, and migration, to maintain cellular homeostasis. The mTOR signaling cascade consists of two distinct multi-subunit complexes named mTOR complex 1/2 (mTORC1/2). mTOR catalyzes the phosphorylation of several critical proteins like AKT, protein kinase C, insulin growth factor receptor (IGF-1R), 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K), transcription factor EB (TFEB), sterol-responsive element-binding proteins (SREBPs), Lipin-1, and Unc-51-like autophagy-activating kinases. mTOR signaling plays a central role in regulating translation, lipid synthesis, nucleotide synthesis, biogenesis of lysosomes, nutrient sensing, and growth factor signaling. The emerging pieces of evidence have revealed that the constitutive activation of the mTOR pathway due to mutations/amplification/deletion in either mTOR and its complexes (mTORC1 and mTORC2) or upstream targets is responsible for aging, neurological diseases, and human malignancies. Here, we provide the detailed structure of mTOR, its complexes, and the comprehensive role of upstream regulators, as well as downstream effectors of mTOR signaling cascades in the metabolism, biogenesis of biomolecules, immune responses, and autophagy. Additionally, we summarize the potential of long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as an important modulator of mTOR signaling. Importantly, we have highlighted the potential of mTOR signaling in aging, neurological disorders, human cancers, cancer stem cells, and drug resistance. Here, we discuss the developments for the therapeutic targeting of mTOR signaling with improved anticancer efficacy for the benefit of cancer patients in clinics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vivek Panwar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India
| | - Aishwarya Singh
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India
| | - Manini Bhatt
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, Indian Institute of Technology, Ropar, Punjab, 140001, India
| | - Rajiv K Tonk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Delhi Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research University (DPSRU), New Delhi, 110017, India
| | - Shavkatjon Azizov
- Laboratory of Biological Active Macromolecular Systems, Institute of Bioorganic Chemistry, Academy of Sciences Uzbekistan, Tashkent, 100125, Uzbekistan
- Faculty of Life Sciences, Pharmaceutical Technical University, 100084, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | - Agha Saquib Raza
- Rajive Gandhi Super Speciality Hospital, Tahirpur, New Delhi, 110093, India
| | - Shinjinee Sengupta
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India.
| | - Deepak Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Shoolini University, Solan, Himachal Pradesh, 173229, India.
| | - Manoj Garg
- Amity Institute of Molecular Medicine and Stem Cell Research (AIMMSCR), Amity University Uttar Pradesh, Sector-125, Noida, Uttar Pradesh, 201313, India.
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Ranglani S, Ashton A, Mahfooz K, Komorowska J, Graur A, Kabbani N, Garcia-Rates S, Greenfield S. A Novel Bioactive Peptide, T14, Selectively Activates mTORC1 Signalling: Therapeutic Implications for Neurodegeneration and Other Rapamycin-Sensitive Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:9961. [PMID: 37373106 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24129961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2023] [Revised: 06/06/2023] [Accepted: 06/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/29/2023] Open
Abstract
T14 modulates calcium influx via the α-7 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor to regulate cell growth. Inappropriate triggering of this process has been implicated in Alzheimer's disease (AD) and cancer, whereas T14 blockade has proven therapeutic potential in in vitro, ex vivo and in vivo models of these pathologies. Mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) is critical for growth, however its hyperactivation is implicated in AD and cancer. T14 is a product of the longer 30mer-T30. Recent work shows that T30 drives neurite growth in the human SH-SY5Y cell line via the mTOR pathway. Here, we demonstrate that T30 induces an increase in mTORC1 in PC12 cells, and ex vivo rat brain slices containing substantia nigra, but not mTORC2. The increase in mTORC1 by T30 in PC12 cells is attenuated by its blocker, NBP14. Moreover, in post-mortem human midbrain, T14 levels correlate significantly with mTORC1. Silencing mTORC1 reverses the effects of T30 on PC12 cells measured via AChE release in undifferentiated PC12 cells, whilst silencing mTORC2 does not. This suggests that T14 acts selectively via mTORC1. T14 blockade offers a preferable alternative to currently available blockers of mTOR as it would enable selective blockade of mTORC1, thereby reducing side effects associated with generalised mTOR blockade.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanskar Ranglani
- Neuro Bio Ltd., Building F5, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon OX14 3DB, UK
| | - Anna Ashton
- Neuro Bio Ltd., Building F5, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon OX14 3DB, UK
| | - Kashif Mahfooz
- Neuro Bio Ltd., Building F5, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon OX14 3DB, UK
| | - Joanna Komorowska
- Neuro Bio Ltd., Building F5, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon OX14 3DB, UK
| | - Alexandru Graur
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Nadine Kabbani
- School of Systems Biology, George Mason University, Fairfax, VA 22030, USA
| | - Sara Garcia-Rates
- Neuro Bio Ltd., Building F5, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon OX14 3DB, UK
| | - Susan Greenfield
- Neuro Bio Ltd., Building F5, Culham Science Centre, Abingdon OX14 3DB, UK
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3
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Riquelme I, Pérez-Moreno P, Mora-Lagos B, Ili C, Brebi P, Roa JC. Long Non-Coding RNAs (lncRNAs) as Regulators of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway in Gastric Carcinoma. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076294. [PMID: 37047267 PMCID: PMC10094576 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076294] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Gastric cancer (GC) represents ~10% of the global cancer-related deaths, increasingly affecting the younger population in active stages of life. The high mortality of GC is due to late diagnosis, the presence of metastasis and drug resistance development. Additionally, current clinical markers do not guide the patient management adequately, thereby new and more reliable biomarkers and therapeutic targets are still needed for this disease. RNA-seq technology has allowed the discovery of new types of RNA transcripts including long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), which are able to regulate the gene/protein expression of many signaling pathways (e.g., the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway) in cancer cells by diverse molecular mechanisms. In addition, these lncRNAs might also be proposed as promising diagnostic or prognostic biomarkers or as potential therapeutic targets in GC. This review describes important topics about some lncRNAs that have been described as regulators of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway, and hence, their potential oncogenic role in the development of this malignancy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ismael Riquelme
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco 4810101, Chile
- Correspondence: (I.R.); (J.C.R.); Tel.: +56-95923-6933 (I.R.); +56-22354-1061 (J.C.R.)
| | - Pablo Pérez-Moreno
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy (MIII), Center for Cancer Prevention and Control (CECAN), Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile
| | - Bárbara Mora-Lagos
- Institute of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universidad Autónoma de Chile, Temuco 4810101, Chile
| | - Carmen Ili
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy (MIII), Laboratory of Integrative Biology (LIBi), Center for Excellence in Translational Medicine—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile
| | - Priscilla Brebi
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy (MIII), Laboratory of Integrative Biology (LIBi), Center for Excellence in Translational Medicine—Scientific and Technological Bioresource Nucleus (CEMT-BIOREN), Universidad de La Frontera, Temuco 4810296, Chile
| | - Juan Carlos Roa
- Millennium Institute on Immunology and Immunotherapy (MIII), Center for Cancer Prevention and Control (CECAN), Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago 8380000, Chile
- Correspondence: (I.R.); (J.C.R.); Tel.: +56-95923-6933 (I.R.); +56-22354-1061 (J.C.R.)
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4
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Frias MA, Hatipoglu A, Foster DA. Regulation of mTOR by phosphatidic acid. Trends Endocrinol Metab 2023; 34:170-180. [PMID: 36732094 PMCID: PMC9957947 DOI: 10.1016/j.tem.2023.01.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/03/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2023]
Abstract
mTORC1, the mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1, is a key regulator of cellular physiology. The lipid metabolite phosphatidic acid (PA) binds to and activates mTORC1 in response to nutrients and growth factors. We review structural findings and propose a model for PA activation of mTORC1. PA binds to a highly conserved sequence in the α4 helix of the FK506 binding protein 12 (FKBP12)/rapamycin-binding (FRB) domain of mTOR. It is proposed that PA binding to two adjacent positively charged amino acids breaks and shortens the C-terminal region of helix α4. This has profound consequences for both substrate binding and the catalytic activity of mTORC1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria A Frias
- Department of Biology and Health Promotion, St. Francis College, Brooklyn, NY 11201, USA; Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA.
| | - Ahmet Hatipoglu
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA; Biochemistry Program, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA
| | - David A Foster
- Department of Biological Sciences, Hunter College of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10065, USA; Biochemistry Program, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA; Biology Program, Graduate Center of the City University of New York, New York, NY 10016, USA; Department of Pharmacology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10021, USA.
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5
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Zhang G, Feng Y, Wang M, Liu X. ATL1 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of trophoblast cells via inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023; 37:e23237. [PMID: 36193555 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2021] [Revised: 08/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Pre-eclampsia (PE) is a major cause of hypertension in maternal and fetal. Atlastin-1 (ATL1), one regulator of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) morphology, participates in tubular ER formation and protein synthesis. The objective of this study is to investigate the role and molecular mechanism of ATL1 in PE. GEO databases showed that ATL1 was upregulated in PE patients. Our data also found that ATL1 was highly expressed in PE placental tissues. The cell viability, proliferation, migration, and invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells increased/decreased after the downregulation/upregulation of ATL1. The mTOR pathway is the downstream pathway of ATL1. The levels of p-p70S6K and p-mTOR were increased/decreased after the downregulation/upregulation of ATL1. Moreover, rapamycin, an inhibitor of mTOR pathway, reversed the promotive effect of siATL1 on proliferation, migration, and invasion in HTR-8/SVneo cells. In conclusion, ATL1 inhibits the proliferation and invasion of trophoblast cells via the inhibition of the mTOR signaling pathway in HTR-8/SVneo cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guanli Zhang
- Department of Obstetrics, Yantaishan Hospital, Yantai, Shandong, China
| | - Yan Feng
- Department of Obstetrics, Liaocheng Dongchangfu Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Min Wang
- Department of Obstetrics, Liaocheng Dongchangfu Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
| | - Xin Liu
- Department of Obstetrics, Liaocheng Dongchangfu Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Liaocheng, Shandong, China
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6
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eIF3a regulation of mTOR signaling and translational control via HuR in cellular response to DNA damage. Oncogene 2022; 41:2431-2443. [PMID: 35279705 PMCID: PMC9035104 DOI: 10.1038/s41388-022-02262-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Revised: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 02/23/2022] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
eIF3a (eukaryotic translation initiation factor 3a), a subunit of the eIF3 complex, has been suggested to play a regulatory role in protein synthesis and in cellular response to DNA-damaging treatments. S6K1 is an effector and a mediator of mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) in regulating protein synthesis and integrating diverse signals into control of cell growth and response to stress. Here, we show that eIF3a regulates S6K1 activity by inhibiting mTORC1 kinase via regulating Raptor synthesis. The regulation of Raptor synthesis is via eIF3a interaction with HuR (human antigen R) and binding of the eIF3a-HuR complex to the 5'-UTR of Raptor mRNA. Furthermore, mTORC1 may mediate eIF3a function in cellular response to cisplatin by regulating synthesis of NER proteins and NER activity. Taken together, we conclude that the mTOR signaling pathway may also be regulated by translational control and mediate eIF3a regulation of cancer cell response to cisplatin by regulating NER protein synthesis.
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Ding Y, Chen Q. mTOR pathway: A potential therapeutic target for spinal cord injury. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 145:112430. [PMID: 34800780 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.112430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Revised: 11/09/2021] [Accepted: 11/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Spinal cord injury (SCI) is the most common disabling spinal injury, and the complex pathological process can eventually lead to severe neurological dysfunction. Many studies have reported that the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays an important role in synaptogenesis, neuron growth, differentiation, and survival after central nervous system injury. It is also involved in various traumatic and central nervous system diseases, including traumatic brain injury, neonatal hypoxic-ischemic brain injury, Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and cerebral apoplexy. mTOR has also been reported to play an important regulatory role in various pathophysiological processes following SCI. Activation of mTOR signals after SCI can regulate physiological and pathological processes, such as proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells, regeneration of nerve axons, neuroinflammation, and glial scar formation, through various pathways. Inhibition of mTOR activity has been confirmed to promote repair in SCI. At present, many studies have reported that Chinese herbal medicine can inhibit the SCI-activated mTOR pathway to improve the microenvironment and promote nerve repair after SCI. Due to the role of the mTOR pathway in SCI, it may be a potential therapeutic target for SCI. This review is focused on the pathophysiological process of SCI, characteristics of the mTOR pathway, role of the mTOR pathway in SCI, role of inhibition of mTOR on SCI, and role and significance of inhibition of mTOR by related Chinese herbal medicine inhibitors in SCI. In addition, the review discusses the deficiencies and solutions to mTOR and SCI research shortcomings. This study hopes to provide reference for mTOR and SCI research and a theoretical basis for SCI biotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Ding
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou 342800, PR China; The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, Ganzhou 342800, PR China.
| | - Qin Chen
- Department of Spine Surgery, Ganzhou People's Hospital, 16 Meiguan Avenue, Ganzhou 342800, PR China; The Affiliated Ganzhou Hospital of Nanchang University, Ganzhou 342800, PR China.
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8
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Shinde A, Panchal K, Katke S, Paliwal R, Chaurasiya A. Tyrosine kinase inhibitors as next generation oncological therapeutics: Current strategies, limitations and future perspectives. Therapie 2021; 77:425-443. [PMID: 34823895 DOI: 10.1016/j.therap.2021.10.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/27/2021] [Revised: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/09/2023]
Abstract
Protein kinases, a class of enzymes that govern various biological phenomena at a cellular level, are responsible for signal transduction in cells that regulate cellular proliferation, differentiation, and growth. Protein kinase enzyme mutation results in abnormal cell division leading to a pathological condition like cancer. Tyrosine kinase (TK) inhibitors, which helps as a potential drug candidate for the treatment of cancer, are continuously being developed. Majority of these drug candidates are being administered as conventional oral dosage form, which provides limited safety and efficacy due to non-specific delivery and uncontrolled biodistribution resulting into the adverse effects. A controlled drug delivery approach for the delivery of TK inhibitors may be a potential strategy with significant safety and efficacy profile. Novel drug delivery strategies provide target-specific drug delivery, improved pharmacokinetic behaviour, and sustained release leading to lower doses and dosing frequency with significantly reduced side effects. Along with basic aspects of tyrosine kinase, this review discusses various aspects related to the application of tyrosine kinase inhibitors in clinical oncological setting. Furthermore, the limitations/challenges and formulation advancements related to this class of candidates particularly for cancer management have been reviewed. It is expected that innovations in drug delivery approaches for TK inhibitors using novel techniques will surely provide a new insights for improved cancer treatment and patients' life quality.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aishwarya Shinde
- Translational Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Kapra Mandal, Medchal District, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Kanan Panchal
- Translational Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Kapra Mandal, Medchal District, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Sumeet Katke
- Translational Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Kapra Mandal, Medchal District, Telangana 500078, India
| | - Rishi Paliwal
- Nanomedicine and Bioengineering Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Indira Gandhi National Tribal University, Amarkantak 484886, India
| | - Akash Chaurasiya
- Translational Pharmaceutics Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmacy, Birla Institute of Technology and Science, Pilani Hyderabad Campus, Jawahar Nagar, Kapra Mandal, Medchal District, Telangana 500078, India.
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Braun C, Weichhart T. mTOR-dependent immunometabolism as Achilles' heel of anticancer therapy. Eur J Immunol 2021; 51:3161-3175. [PMID: 34648202 DOI: 10.1002/eji.202149270] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 07/07/2021] [Accepted: 10/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Immune cells are important constituents of the tumor microenvironment and essential in eradicating tumor cells during conventional therapies or novel immunotherapies. The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway senses the intra- and extracellular nutrient status, growth factor supply, and cell stress-related changes to coordinate cellular metabolism and activation dictating effector and memory functions in mainly all hematopoietic immune cells. In addition, the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1) and mTORC2 are frequently deregulated and become activated in cancer cells to drive cell transformation, survival, neovascularization, and invasion. In this review, we provide an overview of the influence of mTOR complexes on immune and cancer cell function and metabolism. We discuss how mTOR inhibitors aiming to target cancer cells will influence immunometabolic cell functions participating either in antitumor responses or favoring tumor cell progression in individual immune cells. We suggest immunometabolism as the weak spot of anticancer therapy and propose to evaluate patients according to their predominant immune cell subtype in the cancer tissue. Advances in metabolic drug development that hold promise for more effective treatments in different types of cancer will have to consider their effects on the immune system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Clarissa Braun
- Center of Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria.,Clinical Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine III, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
| | - Thomas Weichhart
- Center of Pathobiochemistry and Genetics, Institute of Medical Genetics, Medical University of Vienna, Vienna, Austria
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Targeting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Lung Cancer: An Update Regarding Potential Drugs and Natural Products. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26134100. [PMID: 34279440 PMCID: PMC8271933 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26134100] [Citation(s) in RCA: 89] [Impact Index Per Article: 29.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2021] [Revised: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Lung cancer is one of the most common cancers and has a high mortality rate. Due to its high incidence, the clinical management of the disease remains a major challenge. Several reports have documented a relationship between the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (AKT)/ mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway and lung cancer. The recognition of this pathway as a notable therapeutic target in lung cancer is mainly due to its central involvement in the initiation and progression of the disease. Interest in using natural and synthetic medications to target these signaling pathways has increased in recent years, with promising results in vitro, in vivo, and in clinical trials. In this review, we focus on the current understanding of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling in tumor development. In addition to the signaling pathway, we highlighted the therapeutic potential of recently developed PI3K/AKT/mTOR inhibitors based on preclinical and clinical trials.
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Lin CJ, Tsao YN, Shu CW. Autophagy modulation as a potential targeted cancer therapy: From drug repurposing to new drug development. Kaohsiung J Med Sci 2021; 37:166-171. [PMID: 33496377 DOI: 10.1002/kjm2.12361] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 12/30/2020] [Accepted: 01/03/2021] [Indexed: 01/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway to deliver dysfunctional proteins or organelles into lysosomes for degradation and recycling, which is an important pathway for normal homeostasis. Autophagy dysfunction can lead to various diseases, particularly cancer. Autophagy not only plays a role in tumor suppression, but it also serves as a tumor promoter in cancer malignancy. In this review, we summarize the involvement of autophagy-related (ATG) proteins in autophagy signaling and the role of autophagy in cancer progression. The effectiveness of US Food and Drug Administration-approved drugs in regulating autophagic flux and suppressing cancer cells is also discussed. Moreover, since clinically available drugs do not specifically target ATG proteins, there is little doubt that their cancer suppression function is autophagy dependent. Therefore, this review also discusses several inhibitors against ATG proteins, such as ULK1/2, ATG4, and VPS34 to suppress cancer cells. Autophagy modulators can be either used alone or combined with chemotherapy or radiation therapy to enhance the efficacy of current treatments for certain types of cancer. This review summarizes current autophagy modulation used as a potential strategy for targeted cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chia-Jung Lin
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Yuan-Ni Tsao
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
| | - Chih-Wen Shu
- Institute of Biopharmaceutical Sciences, National Sun Yat-sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Institute of Biomedical Sciences, National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan.,Department of Biomedical Science and Environmental Biology, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung, Taiwan
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12
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Antioxidants in Sport Sarcopenia. Nutrients 2020; 12:nu12092869. [PMID: 32961753 PMCID: PMC7551250 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2020] [Accepted: 09/18/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The decline of skeletal muscle mass and strength that leads to sarcopenia is a pathology that might represent an emergency healthcare issue in future years. Decreased muscle mass is also a condition that mainly affects master athletes involved in endurance physical activities. Skeletal muscles respond to exercise by reshaping the biochemical, morphological, and physiological state of myofibrils. Adaptive responses involve the activation of intracellular signaling pathways and genetic reprogramming, causing alterations in contractile properties, metabolic status, and muscle mass. One of the mechanisms leading to sarcopenia is an increase in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species levels and a reduction in enzymatic antioxidant protection. The present review shows the recent experimental models of sarcopenia that explore molecular mechanisms. Furthermore, the clinical aspect of sport sarcopenia will be highlighted, and new strategies based on nutritional supplements, which may contribute to reducing indices of oxidative stress by reinforcing natural endogenous protection, will be suggested.
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Dumas AA, Pomella N, Rosser G, Guglielmi L, Vinel C, Millner TO, Rees J, Aley N, Sheer D, Wei J, Marisetty A, Heimberger AB, Bowman RL, Brandner S, Joyce JA, Marino S. Microglia promote glioblastoma via mTOR-mediated immunosuppression of the tumour microenvironment. EMBO J 2020; 39:e103790. [PMID: 32567735 PMCID: PMC7396846 DOI: 10.15252/embj.2019103790] [Citation(s) in RCA: 83] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2019] [Revised: 05/03/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Tumour-associated microglia/macrophages (TAM) are the most numerous non-neoplastic populations in the tumour microenvironment in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), the most common malignant brain tumour in adulthood. The mTOR pathway, an important regulator of cell survival/proliferation, is upregulated in GBM, but little is known about the potential role of this pathway in TAM. Here, we show that GBM-initiating cells induce mTOR signalling in the microglia but not bone marrow-derived macrophages in both in vitro and in vivo GBM mouse models. mTOR-dependent regulation of STAT3 and NF-κB activity promotes an immunosuppressive microglial phenotype. This hinders effector T-cell infiltration, proliferation and immune reactivity, thereby contributing to tumour immune evasion and promoting tumour growth in mouse models. The translational value of our results is demonstrated in whole transcriptome datasets of human GBM and in a novel in vitro model, whereby expanded-potential stem cells (EPSC)-derived microglia-like cells are conditioned by syngeneic patient-derived GBM-initiating cells. These results raise the possibility that microglia could be the primary target of mTOR inhibition, rather than the intrinsic tumour cells in GBM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anaelle A Dumas
- Blizard InstituteBarts and The London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University LondonLondonUK
| | - Nicola Pomella
- Blizard InstituteBarts and The London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University LondonLondonUK
| | - Gabriel Rosser
- Blizard InstituteBarts and The London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University LondonLondonUK
| | - Loredana Guglielmi
- Blizard InstituteBarts and The London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University LondonLondonUK
| | - Claire Vinel
- Blizard InstituteBarts and The London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University LondonLondonUK
| | - Thomas O Millner
- Blizard InstituteBarts and The London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University LondonLondonUK
| | - Jeremy Rees
- National Hospital for Neurology and NeurosurgeryUniversity College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Natasha Aley
- Division of NeuropathologyDepartment of Neurodegenerative DiseaseUCL Queen Square Institute of NeurologyLondonUK
| | - Denise Sheer
- Blizard InstituteBarts and The London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University LondonLondonUK
| | - Jun Wei
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTXUSA
| | - Anantha Marisetty
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTXUSA
| | - Amy B Heimberger
- Department of NeurosurgeryThe University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer CenterHoustonTXUSA
| | - Robert L Bowman
- Human Oncology and Pathogenesis ProgramMemorial Sloan Kettering Cancer CenterNew YorkNYUSA
| | - Sebastian Brandner
- National Hospital for Neurology and NeurosurgeryUniversity College London Hospitals NHS Foundation TrustLondonUK
| | - Johanna A Joyce
- Department of OncologyLudwig Institute for Cancer ResearchUniversity of LausanneLausanneSwitzerland
| | - Silvia Marino
- Blizard InstituteBarts and The London School of Medicine and DentistryQueen Mary University LondonLondonUK
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14
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Bhaoighill MN, Dunlop EA. Mechanistic target of rapamycin inhibitors: successes and challenges as cancer therapeutics. CANCER DRUG RESISTANCE (ALHAMBRA, CALIF.) 2019; 2:1069-1085. [PMID: 35582282 PMCID: PMC9019212 DOI: 10.20517/cdr.2019.87] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2019] [Revised: 11/18/2019] [Accepted: 11/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Delineating the contributions of specific cell signalling cascades to the development and maintenance of tumours has greatly informed our understanding of tumorigenesis and has advanced the modern era of targeted cancer therapy. It has been revealed that one of the key pathways regulating cell growth, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/mechanistic target of rapamycin (PI3K/mTOR) signalling axis, is commonly dysregulated in cancer. With a specific, well-tolerated inhibitor of mTOR available, the impact of inhibiting this pathway at the level of mTOR has been tested clinically. This review highlights some of the promising results seen with mTOR inhibitors in the clinic and assesses some of the challenges that remain in predicting patient outcome following mTOR-targeted therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Elaine A Dunlop
- Division of Cancer and Genetics, Cardiff University, Cardiff, CF14 4XN, UK
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15
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Lin Y, Zhu S, Hu C, Wang J, Jiang P, Zhu L, Li Z, Wang S, Zhang Y, Xu X, Pan W. Cross-Species Suppression of Hepatoma Cell Growth and Migration by a Schistosoma japonicum MicroRNA. MOLECULAR THERAPY-NUCLEIC ACIDS 2019; 18:400-412. [PMID: 31655260 PMCID: PMC6831938 DOI: 10.1016/j.omtn.2019.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2018] [Revised: 05/12/2019] [Accepted: 09/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
Schistosoma japonicum eggs trapped in host liver secretes microRNA (miRNA)-containing extracellular vesicles (EVs) that can be transferred to host cells. Recent studies demonstrated that miRNAs derived from plants can modulate gene expression and phenotype of mammalian cells in a cross-kingdom manner. In this study, we identified a Schistosoma japonicum miRNA (e.g., Sja-miR-3096) that is present in the hepatocytes of mice infected with the parasite and has notable antitumor effects in both in vitro and in vivo models. The Sja-miR-3096 mimics suppressed cell proliferation and migration of both murine and human hepatoma cell lines by targeting phosphoinositide 3-kinase class II alpha (PIK3C2A). We generated a murine hepatoma cell line that stably expressed the pri-Sja-miR-3096 gene and demonstrated cross-species processing of the schistosome pri-miRNA to the mature Sja-miR-3096 in the mammalian cell. Importantly, inoculation of this cell line into the scapula and livers of mice led to a complete suppression of tumorigenesis of the hepatoma cells. Moreover, tumor weight was significantly reduced on intravenous administration of Sja-miR-3096 mimics. Thus, the schistosome miRNA-mediated antitumor activity occurs in host liver cells during schistosome infection, which may strengthen resistance of host to liver cancer, and discovery and development of such miRNAs may present promising interventions for cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Lin
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shanli Zhu
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chao Hu
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Wang
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Pengyue Jiang
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Liufang Zhu
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengli Li
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sai Wang
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yuanbin Zhang
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xindong Xu
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Weiqing Pan
- Institute for Infectious Diseases and Vaccine Development, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Tropical Diseases, Second Military Medical University, Shanghai, China.
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16
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mTOR Signaling Pathway in Cancer Targets Photodynamic Therapy In Vitro. Cells 2019; 8:cells8050431. [PMID: 31075885 PMCID: PMC6563036 DOI: 10.3390/cells8050431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/30/2019] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
The Mechanistic or Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) is a major signaling pathway in eukaryotic cells belonging to the P13K-related kinase family of the serine/threonine protein kinase. It has been established that mTOR plays a central role in cellular processes and implicated in various cancers, diabetes, and in the aging process with very poor prognosis. Inhibition of the mTOR pathway in the cells may improve the therapeutic index in cancer treatment. Photodynamic therapy (PDT) has been established to selectively eradicate neoplasia at clearly delineated malignant lesions. This review highlights recent advances in understanding the role or regulation of mTOR in cancer therapy. It also discusses how mTOR currently contributes to cancer as well as future perspectives on targeting mTOR therapeutically in cancer in vitro.
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17
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Abstract
Pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors are rare tumors of the pancreas originating from the islets of the Langerhans. These tumors comprise 1% to 3% of all newly diagnosed pancreatic cancers every year and have a unique heterogeneity in clinical presentation. Whole-genome sequencing has led to an increased understanding of the molecular biology of these tumors. In this review, we will summarize the current knowledge of the signaling pathways involved in the tumorigenesis of pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors as well as the major studies targeting these pathways at preclinical and clinical levels.
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18
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Kaushik P, Henry M, Clynes M, Meleady P. The Expression Pattern of the Phosphoproteome Is Significantly Changed During the Growth Phases of Recombinant CHO Cell Culture. Biotechnol J 2018; 13:e1700221. [DOI: 10.1002/biot.201700221] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2018] [Revised: 07/13/2018] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Prashant Kaushik
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology; Dublin City University; Dublin 9 Ireland
| | - Michael Henry
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology; Dublin City University; Dublin 9 Ireland
| | - Martin Clynes
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology; Dublin City University; Dublin 9 Ireland
| | - Paula Meleady
- National Institute for Cellular Biotechnology; Dublin City University; Dublin 9 Ireland
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19
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Zhang LJ, Lu R, Song YN, Zhu JY, Xia W, Zhang M, Shao ZY, Huang Y, Zhou Y, Zhang H, Guo L, Zhang M, Zhang H. Knockdown of anion exchanger 2 suppressed the growth of ovarian cancer cells via mTOR/p70S6K1 signaling. Sci Rep 2017; 7:6362. [PMID: 28743911 PMCID: PMC5526859 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-06472-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2016] [Accepted: 06/14/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Anion exchanger 2 (AE2, encoded by SLC4A2) is a sodium-independent chloride/bicarbonate transporter and implicated in the regulation of intracellular pH and membrane potential. Previous studies have linked AE2 to the tumorigenesis of various cancers. Here, AE2 was identified as an up-regulated protein in ovarian cancer tissues compared to adjacent non-tumor lesions based on quantitative proteomics analysis. AE2 mRNA was also overexpressed in human ovarian cancer samples, and that AE2 overexpression correlated with the shortened survival time of ovarian cancer patients. Short-hairpin RNA-mediated knockdown of AE2 in A2780 and SK-OV-R3 cells inhibited cell growth and induced cell cycle G1 phase arrest. In nude mice, its stable knockdown inhibited the tumorigenicity of A2780 cells. Gene set enrichment analysis on The Cancer Genome Atlas dataset identified that the cell cycle process and mTOR pathway were correlatively with the AE2 expression. Expression of key regulators of G1/S transition (Cyclin D1 and CDK4), and phosphorylation levels of p70S6K were notably reduced in AE2 knockdown cells. Moreover, experiments with mTOR inhibitor suggested that AE2 may promote cell cycle progression through mTOR/p70S6K1 pathway. Together, our results suggest up-regulated AE2 promotes ovarian cancer tumorigenesis by activating mTOR/p70S6K1 pathway and implicate the potential application of AE2 in cancer therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Jun Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Renquan Lu
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Ya-Nan Song
- Central Laboratory, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Jian-Yong Zhu
- Central Laboratory, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Wei Xia
- Department of Nuclear Medicine, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Miao Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Zhi-Yi Shao
- Central Laboratory, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, 200137, China
| | - Yan Huang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Yuqi Zhou
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Hongqin Zhang
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China
| | - Lin Guo
- Department of Clinical Laboratory, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Meiqin Zhang
- Department of Oncology, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200032, China.
- Department of Gynecological Oncology, Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center, Shanghai, 200032, China.
| | - Hong Zhang
- Central Laboratory, Seventh People's Hospital of Shanghai University of TCM, Shanghai, 200137, China.
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"mTOR Signaling Pathway": A Potential Target of Curcumin in the Treatment of Spinal Cord Injury. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2017; 2017:1634801. [PMID: 28691015 PMCID: PMC5485291 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1634801] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2016] [Revised: 04/15/2017] [Accepted: 05/18/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023]
Abstract
The purpose of this review is to discuss the possibility of the treatment of spinal cord injury (SCI) with curcumin via regulating the mTOR signaling pathway, which may provide another strong support for curcumin to be a promising medicine applied to the treatment of SCI. Curcumin is termed as a multifunctional targeting therapy drug that regulates the mTOR signaling pathway in the treatment of numerous diseases. Previous research has already revealed that mTOR signaling pathway plays a vital role in prognosis, which involves the axon regeneration and autophagy. This review discusses a potential mechanism that curcumin suppresses the activation of this pathway and ameliorates the microenvironment of axons regeneration which would provide a new way that induces autophagy appropriately.
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21
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Resistance to mTORC1 Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy: From Kinase Mutations to Intratumoral Heterogeneity of Kinase Activity. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2017; 2017:1726078. [PMID: 28280521 PMCID: PMC5322438 DOI: 10.1155/2017/1726078] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2016] [Accepted: 01/22/2017] [Indexed: 01/19/2023]
Abstract
Targeting mTORC1 has been thoroughly explored in cancer therapy. Following encouraging preclinical studies, mTORC1 inhibitors however failed to provide substantial benefits in cancer patients. Several resistance mechanisms have been identified including mutations of mTOR and activation of alternate proliferation pathways. Moreover, emerging evidence discloses intratumoral heterogeneity of mTORC1 activity that further contributes to a reduced anticancer efficacy of mTORC1 inhibitors. Genetic heterogeneity as well as heterogeneous conditions of the tumor environment such as hypoxia profoundly modifies mTORC1 activity in tumors and hence influences the response of tumors to mTORC1 inhibitors. Intriguingly, the heterogeneity of mTORC1 activity also occurs towards its substrates at the single cell level, as mutually exclusive pattern of activation of mTORC1 downstream effectors has been reported in tumors. After briefly describing mTORC1 biology and the use of mTORC1 inhibitors in patients, this review will give an overview on concepts of resistance to mTORC1 inhibition in cancer with a particular focus on intratumoral heterogeneity of mTORC1 activity.
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22
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Tramutola A, Lanzillotta C, Di Domenico F. Targeting mTOR to reduce Alzheimer-related cognitive decline: from current hits to future therapies. Expert Rev Neurother 2016; 17:33-45. [PMID: 27690737 DOI: 10.1080/14737175.2017.1244482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The mTOR pathway is involved in the regulation of a wide repertoire of cellular functions in the brain and its dysregulation is emerging as a leitmotif in a large number of neurological disorders. In AD, altered mTOR signaling contributes to the inhibition of autophagy deposition of Aβ and tau aggregates and to the alteration of several neuronal metabolic pathways. Areas covered: In this review, we report all the current findings on the use of mTOR inhibitors (rapamycin, rapalogues) in the treatment of AD. These results support the role of mTOR inhibitors as potential therapeutic agents able to reduce AD hallmarks and recover cognitive performances. Expert commentary: Despite mTOR inhibitors appearing to be ideal compounds to counteract AD, further studies are needed in order to gain knowledge on the involvement of aberrant mTOR in AD, and to standardize a valuable therapeutic approach that can be translated to humans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antonella Tramutola
- a Department of Biochemical Sciences , Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Chiara Lanzillotta
- a Department of Biochemical Sciences , Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
| | - Fabio Di Domenico
- a Department of Biochemical Sciences , Sapienza University of Rome , Rome , Italy
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23
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Abstract
The mammalian target of rapamycin, mTOR, plays key roles in cell growth and proliferation, acting at the catalytic subunit of two protein kinase complexes: mTOR complexes 1 and 2 (mTORC1/2). mTORC1 signaling is switched on by several oncogenic signaling pathways and is accordingly hyperactive in the majority of cancers. Inhibiting mTORC1 signaling has therefore attracted great attention as an anti-cancer therapy. However, progress in using inhibitors of mTOR signaling as therapeutic agents in oncology has been limited by a number of factors, including the fact that the classic mTOR inhibitor, rapamycin, inhibits only some of the effects of mTOR; the existence of several feedback loops; and the crucial importance of mTOR in normal physiology.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianling Xie
- Nutrition and Metabolism, South Australian Health and Medical research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Xuemin Wang
- Nutrition and Metabolism, South Australian Health and Medical research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
| | - Christopher G Proud
- Nutrition and Metabolism, South Australian Health and Medical research Institute, Adelaide, SA, Australia; School of Biological Sciences, University of Adelaide, Adelaide, SA, Australia
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