mTOR Signalling in Neurodegenerative Disorders: Unveiling Key Factors, Mechanistic Insights, and Possible Therapeutic Interventions

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are defined by the gradual degeneration of neuronal cells, wherein the accumulation of misfolded proteins can lead to memory impairments, motor dysfunctions, and other deteriorations. Despite the widespread impact, there are currently no viable pharmaceuticals to treat these disorders. Currently, more than 30 million individuals globally endure severe health issues, with few therapeutic alternatives for their management. The mTOR protein is a crucial regulator of cell death signals, survival, growth, and the fate of neural cells. Targeted modulation of mTOR signaling holds the potential for mitigating neurodegeneration in Alzheimer's, Huntington's, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson's, and other neurodegenerative conditions. However, the advancement of successful mTOR-targeted therapeutics necessitates careful consideration of multiple factors. These include addressing protein aggregation and comprehending the complex interactions of cell death pathways within the neurological system. Additionally, mTOR modulates diverse signaling pathways, encompassing growth factors and proteins, including PI3K (phosphoinositide 3-kinase), Akt, AMPK, and SIRT1. Understanding these connections is crucial for effective therapeutic development. By comprehending the intricacies of the mTOR pathway, researchers have the opportunity to uncover novel and more precise therapies, offering optimism for the future management of NDDs.