Roles of mTOR in neuronal development, synaptic plasticity and learning and memory

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

Aberrant activation of mTOR pathway has been found in many human neurological diseases such as tuberous sclerosis and autism. To determine mTOR function in neurons, transgenic mice having constitutively active mTOR mutant were generated and analyzed. Forebrain-specific active mTOR transgenic mice displayed epileptic seizure and neurodegeneration. Abnormalities of both neuronal morphology and synapse elimination were induced by the activation of mTOR pathway in cerebellar Purkinje cells. These results will provide insights into pathogenic mechanisms of human diseases.