mTOR Signaling in Cancer and mTOR Inhibitors in Solid Tumor Targeting Therapy

The mammalian or mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway plays a crucial role in regulation of cell survival, metabolism, growth and protein synthesis in response to upstream signals in both normal physiological and pathological conditions, especially in cancer. Aberrant mTOR signaling resulting from genetic alterations from different levels of the signal cascade is commonly observed in various types of cancers. Upon hyperactivation, mTOR signaling promotes cell proliferation and metabolism that contribute to tumor initiation and progression. In addition, mTOR also negatively regulates autophagy via different ways. We discuss mTOR signaling and its key upstream and downstream factors, the specific…

• NN
  National Natural Science Foundation of China

  Awards: 31301022, 81772497
• MO
  Ministry of Science and Technology of the People's Republic of China

  Award: 2015CB553705
• NS
  Natural Science Foundation of Beijing Municipality

  Award: 7162116