Targeting mTOR as a novel therapeutic strategy for traumatic CNS injuries

The adult central nervous system (CNS) has a remarkable ability to repair itself. However, severe brain and spinal cord injuries (SCIs) cause lasting disability and there are only a few therapies that can prevent or restore function in such cases. In this review, we provide an overview of traumatic CNS injuries and discuss several emerging pharmacological options that have shown promise in preclinical and early clinical studies. We highlight therapies that modulate mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling, a pathway that is well known for its roles in cell growth, metabolism and cancer. Interestingly, this pathway is also gaining newfound attention for its role in CNS repair and regeneration.

► We provide a brief overview of CNS injuries and current therapies.
► Currently few therapies are available to treat severe CNS injuries.
► Emerging evidence suggests intrinsic signaling pathways are central for CNS repair and regeneration.
► mTOR pathway plays an important role in several physiological functions of the CNS.
► Modulation of mTOR pathway could be an effective novel approach for treatment of CNS injuries.