The Mammalian Target of Rapamycin(mTOR) Signaling Pathway and mTOR Inhibitors in Cancer Therapy

ABSTRACT

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) serine/threonine protein kinase known to be an important regulator of cellular growth, protein translation, cell proliferation, cell survival, metabolism, and autophagy. It is known to be activated by intracellular as well as extracellular signals, such as nutrient availability, growth factors, and energy levels of cells. The frequent deregulation of mTOR signaling in over 30% of malignancies makes it a promising key target for cancer therapy. Many mTOR inhibitors have been developed and undergone clinical trials, and many medications have been demonstrated to be highly effective when combined with mTOR inhibitors. Direct inhibition of the mTOR pathway is a new field in cancer therapy with the potential to control growth factors as well as estrogen‐dependent and estrogen‐independent pathways that contribute to tumor pathology and progression. Thus, mTOR inhibitors are being studied as potential cancer therapies. Recently, nanoparticle‐based mTOR modulators have been anticipated to target numerous malignancies while also delivering and releasing medications in a controlled manner, resulting in improved bioavailability and fewer adverse effects. This review focusses on the mammalian target of rapamycin signaling pathway, including its current status and obstacles in cancer therapy.