Rapamycin: One Drug, Many Effects

The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway is a master regulator of cell growth and metabolism. Deregulation of the mTOR pathway has been implicated in a number of human diseases such as cancer, diabetes, obesity, neurological diseases, and genetic disorders. Rapamycin, a specific inhibitor of mTOR, has been shown to be useful in the treatment of certain diseases. Here we discuss its mechanism of action and highlight recent findings regarding the effects and limitations of rapamycin monotherapy and the potential utility of combination therapy with rapamycin.