Role of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signalling in oncogenesis

Abstract

The signalling system known as mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is believed to be required for several biological activities involving cell proliferation. The serine-threonine kinase identified as mTOR recognises PI3K-AKT stress signals. It is well established in the scientific literature that the deregulation of the mTOR pathway plays a crucial role in cancer growth and advancement. This review focuses on the normal functions of mTOR as well as its abnormal roles in cancer development.

Keywords: Apoptosis; Pathological angiogenesis; Rapamycin and rapalogues; Signalling cascade; mTOR.