Exploring the mTOR Signalling Pathway and Its Inhibitory Scope in Cancer

Abstract

Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a protein kinase that regulates cellular growth, development, survival, and metabolism through integration of diverse extracellular and intracellular stimuli. Additionally, mTOR is involved in interplay of signalling pathways that regulate apoptosis and autophagy. In cells, mTOR is assembled into two complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2. While mTORC1 is regulated by energy consumption, protein intake, mechanical stimuli, and growth factors, mTORC2 is regulated by insulin-like growth factor-1 receptor (IGF-1R), and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). mTOR signalling pathways are considered the hallmark in cancer due to their dysregulation in approximately 70% of cancers. Through downstream regulators, ribosomal protein S6 kinase β-1 (S6K1) and eukaryotic translation initiation factor 4E binding protein 1 (4E-BP1), mTORC1 influences various anabolic and catabolic processes in the cell. In recent years, several mTOR inhibitors have been developed with the aim of treating different cancers. In this review, we will explore the current developments in the mTOR signalling pathway and its importance for being targeted by various inhibitors in anti-cancer therapeutics.

Flavonoids as promising molecules in the cancer therapy: An insight

“…The serine–threonine protein kinase known as mammalian target of rapamycin or mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) plays a crucial role in regulating cellular metabolism, growth, cell proliferation, survival, and gene expression. Recent studies have shown that over 70% of malignancies exhibit hyper activated mTOR pathways ( Mir et al, 2023 ). In recent years, several mTOR inhibitors have been developed with the aim of treating different cancers.…”