MTOR inhibitor
MTOR inhibitor
MTOR inhibitors (pronounced as em-tor inhibitors) are a class of drugs that inhibit the mechanistic target of rapamycin (MTOR), which is a serine/threonine-specific protein kinase that regulates cell growth, cell proliferation, cell motility, cell survival, protein synthesis, autophagy, and transcription.
Etymology
The term "MTOR" is an acronym for "mechanistic target of rapamycin". Rapamycin is a bacterially-produced drug that was discovered in the soil of Easter Island (Rapa Nui) in the 1970s. The term "inhibitor" comes from the Latin word "inhibere", which means to restrain or to stop.
Mechanism of Action
MTOR inhibitors work by binding to the FKBP12-rapamycin complex and inhibiting the activity of MTOR. This inhibition prevents the phosphorylation of downstream targets, leading to a decrease in protein synthesis and cell proliferation.
Related Terms
- FKBP12-rapamycin complex: A protein complex that is the target of MTOR inhibitors.
- Phosphorylation: A biochemical process that involves the addition of a phosphate group to a protein or other organic molecule.
- Protein synthesis: The process by which cells build proteins.
- Cell proliferation: The process that results in an increase in the number of cells, and is defined by the balance between cell divisions and cell loss through cell death or differentiation.
Examples of MTOR inhibitors
- Rapamycin (Sirolimus): Used in organ transplantation to prevent rejection.
- Everolimus: Used in the treatment of various types of cancer.
- Temsirolimus: Used in the treatment of renal cell carcinoma.
Side Effects
Common side effects of MTOR inhibitors include mouth ulcers, rash, diarrhea, nausea, and fatigue. More serious side effects can include lung or breathing problems, infections, and kidney failure.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on MTOR inhibitor
- Wikipedia's article - MTOR inhibitor
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