mTOR-Mediated Neuron–Cancer Interactions

The phosphotransferase activity of the protein kinase known as the mechanistic Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) is arguably one of the most studied biochemical events in biomedical sciences because of its importance to human health and evolution. Despite progress being made in understanding the structure, biochemical characteristics, and function of the enzyme, tremendous knowledge gaps remain unfilled. Altered mTOR activity occurs in numerous neurological disorders, including those that present with seizures and neoplasms. Advances in cancer biology have identified that neuron activity is a critical driver of neoplastic growth. Here, we discuss mTOR, examples of neoplasms with altered neuron activity, and the potential utility of using mTOR inhibitors to modulate tumor-associated neurons.