Emerging role of microRNAs in mTOR signaling

Y Zhang, B Huang, HY Wang, A Chang… - Cellular and Molecular …, 2017 - Springer
Y Zhang, B Huang, HY Wang, A Chang, XFS Zheng
Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences, 2017Springer
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase that plays a
critical role in the control of cellular growth and metabolism. Hyperactivation of mTOR
pathway is common in human cancers, driving uncontrolled proliferation. MicroRNA
(miRNA) is a class of short noncoding RNAs that regulate the expression of a wide variety of
genes. Deregulation of miRNAs is a hallmark of cancer. Recent studies have revealed
interplays between miRNAs and the mTOR pathway during cancer development. Such …
Abstract
Mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a conserved serine/threonine kinase that plays a critical role in the control of cellular growth and metabolism. Hyperactivation of mTOR pathway is common in human cancers, driving uncontrolled proliferation. MicroRNA (miRNA) is a class of short noncoding RNAs that regulate the expression of a wide variety of genes. Deregulation of miRNAs is a hallmark of cancer. Recent studies have revealed interplays between miRNAs and the mTOR pathway during cancer development. Such interactions appear to provide a fine-tuning of various cellular functions and contribute qualitatively to the behavior of cancer. Here we provide an overview of current knowledge regarding the reciprocal relationship between miRNAs and mTOR pathway: regulation of mTOR signaling by miRNAs and control of miRNA biogenesis by mTOR. Further research in this area may prove important for the diagnosis and therapy of human cancer.
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