Role of TSC–mTOR pathway in diabetic nephropathy

TSC–mTOR signaling plays a crucial role in the regulation of cell growth and survival control. Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is an evolutionarily conserved serine/threonine kinase that forms two distinct functional complexes, termed TOR complex 1 (TORC1) and TORC2, respectively. TORC1 is a rapamycin-sensitive complex and regulates a wide array of cellular processes including translation, transcription, and autophagy. Tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC) gene products, TSC1 and TSC2 are tumor suppressors and specifically suppress TORC1 activity. Mutation of either TSC1 or TSC2 causes TSC disease, which is characterized by formation of hamartomas in multiple organs. Although the role of TSC–mTOR pathway in tumor and cancer development has been extensively studied, more recent studies have indicated a role for mTOR function in appetite, memory, aging, and energy metabolism. Dysregulation of the TSC–mTOR pathway may cause not only tumor development but also metabolic disorders such as diabetes and its complications.