Critical role of mTOR in regulating aerobic glycolysis in carcinogenesis (Review)

Mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) serves an important role in regulating various biological processes, including cell proliferation, metabolism, apoptosis and autophagy. Among these processes, energy metabolism is the dominant process. The metabolism of not only amino acids, fatty acids and lipids, but also that of nucleotides and glucose has been indicated to be regulated by mTOR. Aerobic glycolysis, which is a specific form of glucose metabolism, is prevalent in carcinomas, and it has been considered to be a potential target for cancer therapy. In reviewing the complexity of the mTOR pathway, it is important to elucidate the central role and detailed pathway via which mTOR regulates glycolysis. In the present study, the complex mechanisms via which mTOR regulates aerobic glycolysis were comprehensively reviewed to highlight the potential of drug development via targeting the molecules associated with mTOR and glycolysis and to further provide strategies for the clinical treatment of cancer.