Translational control and mTOR in cancer

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) is a key link between a cell's nutrients and energy sensors and proliferative effector molecules. Essential processes controlled by the activity of mTOR include ribosome biogenesis, protein translation, and cell cycle progression. Antagonizing mTOR activity has shown antitumor effects in preclinical studies, and first clinical trials with mTOR inhibitors gave promising results. Among the broad spectrum of tumor entities that might be sensitive to mTOR targeting, we chose glioblastoma (GBM) and colorectal cancer to report the current state of investigation. In these exemplary tumor types, we review the potential of mTOR pathway components as biomarkers as well as drug targets.