mTOR complexes in neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders
TL;DR: The most recent advances in studies of mTOR signaling in the brain and the possible mechanisms underlying the many different functions of the mTOR complexes in neurological diseases are described and the medical relevance is discussed.
Abstract: The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) acts as a highly conserved signaling "hub" that integrates neuronal activity and a variety of synaptic inputs. mTOR is found in two functionally distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, that crucially control long-term synaptic efficacy and memory storage. Dysregulation of mTOR signaling is associated with neurodevelopmental and neuropsychiatric disorders. In this Review, we describe the most recent advances in studies of mTOR signaling in the brain and the possible mechanisms underlying the many different functions of the mTOR complexes in neurological diseases. In addition, we discuss the medical relevance of these findings.
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TL;DR: Molecular genetic studies have identified transduction and transcription factors that act in neurocircuitry associated with the development and maintenance of addiction that might mediate initial vulnerability, maintenance, and relapse associated with addiction.
1,985 citations
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TL;DR: Current data suggests that conventional antidepressants and ketamine mediate their antidepressant-like effects by increasing BDNF in forebrain regions, in particular the hippocampus, making BDNF an essential determinant of antidepressant efficacy.
630 citations
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TL;DR: Findings indicate that the immune system is a point of convergence for multiple ASD-related genetic and environmental risk factors.
Abstract: Various lines of evidence suggest that immune system dysregulation has a key role in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Estes and McAllister review this evidence, covering genetic and maternal immune system-related risk factors, chronic immune system changes in individuals with ASD and in animal models, and potential pathophysiological mechanisms. Increasing evidence points to a central role for immune dysregulation in autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Several ASD risk genes encode components of the immune system and many maternal immune system-related risk factors — including autoimmunity, infection and fetal reactive antibodies — are associated with ASD. In addition, there is evidence of ongoing immune dysregulation in individuals with ASD and in animal models of this disorder. Recently, several molecular signalling pathways — including pathways downstream of cytokines, the receptor MET, major histocompatibility complex class I molecules, microglia and complement factors — have been identified that link immune activation to ASD phenotypes. Together, these findings indicate that the immune system is a point of convergence for multiple ASD-related genetic and environmental risk factors.
360 citations
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TL;DR: This review discusses the key regulatory pathways that govern translational control in response to synaptic activity and the mRNA populations that are specifically targeted by these pathways and considers the therapeutic potential of targeting dysregulated translatory control to treat cognitive disorders of synaptic dysfunction.
Abstract: Activity-dependent changes in the strength of synaptic connections are fundamental to the formation and maintenance of memory. The mechanisms underlying persistent changes in synaptic strength in the hippocampus, specifically long-term potentiation and depression, depend on new protein synthesis. Such changes are thought to be orchestrated by engaging the signaling pathways that regulate mRNA translation in neurons. In this review, we discuss the key regulatory pathways that govern translational control in response to synaptic activity and the mRNA populations that are specifically targeted by these pathways. The critical contribution of regulatory control over new protein synthesis to proper cognitive function is underscored by human disorders associated with either silencing or mutation of genes encoding proteins that directly regulate translation. In light of these clinical implications, we also consider the therapeutic potential of targeting dysregulated translational control to treat cognitive disorders of synaptic dysfunction.
281 citations
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TL;DR: Preclinical and preliminary clinical studies indicate that inhibition of mTORC1 can be beneficial for some pathological conditions such as epilepsy, cognitive impairment, and brain tumors, whereas stimulation of m TORC1 (direct or indirect) can bebeneficial for other pathologies such as depression or axonal growth and regeneration.
Abstract: TOR (target of rapamycin) and its mammalian ortholog mTOR have been discovered in an effort to understand the mechanisms of action of the immunosuppressant drug rapamycin extracted from a bacterium of the Easter Island (Rapa Nui) soil. mTOR is a serine/threonine kinase found in two functionally distinct complexes, mTORC1 and mTORC2, which are differentially regulated by a great number of nutrients such as glucose and amino acids, energy (oxygen and ATP/AMP content), growth factors, hormones, and neurotransmitters. mTOR controls many basic cellular functions such as protein synthesis, energy metabolism, cell size, lipid metabolism, autophagy, mitochondria, and lysosome biogenesis. In addition, mTOR-controlled signaling pathways regulate many integrated physiological functions of the nervous system including neuronal development, synaptic plasticity, memory storage, and cognition. Thus it is not surprising that deregulation of mTOR signaling is associated with many neurological and psychiatric disorders. Preclinical and preliminary clinical studies indicate that inhibition of mTORC1 can be beneficial for some pathological conditions such as epilepsy, cognitive impairment, and brain tumors, whereas stimulation of mTORC1 (direct or indirect) can be beneficial for other pathologies such as depression or axonal growth and regeneration.
263 citations
Cites background from "mTOR complexes in neurodevelopmenta..."
...Consolidation and reconsolidation of fear memory, spatial memory (62), and modulation of auditory cortex-dependent memory (259) require activation of mTORC1 (82, 218, 270) and possibly mTORC2 (54, 105)....
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...In contrast, in some pathologies such as Rett syndrome, some forms of PD, central nerve injuries, and depression, a decrease in mTOR activity might be implicated (54)....
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References
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01 Apr 2012
TL;DR: The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway senses and integrates a variety of environmental cues to regulate organismal growth and homeostasis as mentioned in this paper, and is implicated in an increasing number of pathological conditions, including cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegeneration.
Abstract: The mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway senses and integrates a variety of environmental cues to regulate organismal growth and homeostasis. The pathway regulates many major cellular processes and is implicated in an increasing number of pathological conditions, including cancer, obesity, type 2 diabetes, and neurodegeneration. Here, we review recent advances in our understanding of the mTOR pathway and its role in health, disease, and aging. We further discuss pharmacological approaches to treat human pathologies linked to mTOR deregulation.
6,268 citations
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TL;DR: Recent advances in understanding of the mTOR pathway are reviewed and pharmacological approaches to treat human pathologies linked to mTOR deregulation are discussed.
5,792 citations
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TL;DR: This book aims to investigate elementary forms of learning and memory at a cellular molecular level—as specific molecular activities within identified nerve cells withinidentified nerve cells.
Abstract: One of the most remarkable aspects of an animal's behavior is the ability to modify that behavior by learning, an ability that reaches its highest form in human beings. For me, learning and memory have proven to be endlessly fascinating mental processes because they address one of the fundamental features of human activity: our ability to acquire new ideas from experience and to retain these ideas over time in memory. Moreover, unlike other mental processes such as thought, language, and consciousness, learning seemed from the outset to be readily accessible to cellular and molecular analysis. I, therefore, have been curious to know: What changes in the brain when we learn? And, once something is learned, how is that information retained in the brain? I have tried to address these questions through a reductionist approach that would allow me to investigate elementary forms of learning and memory at a cellular molecular level-as specific molecular activities within identified nerve cells.
3,609 citations
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TL;DR: Recent advances in understanding of the molecular structures and biochemical functions of the translation initiation machinery are described and key strategies that mediate general or gene-specific translational control are summarized, particularly in mammalian systems.
2,899 citations
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TL;DR: It is shown that rapamycin inhibits the assembly of mTORC2 and that, in many cell types, prolongedRapamycin treatment reduces the levels of m TORC2 below those needed to maintain Akt/PKB signaling.
2,621 citations