Targeting mTOR Signaling by Dietary Polysaccharides in Cancer Prevention: Advances and Challenges

Abstract

Cancer is the most serious problem for public health. Traditional treatments often come with unavoidable side effects. Therefore, the therapeutic effects of natural products with wide sources and low toxicity are attracting more and more attention. Polysaccharides have been shown to have cancer-fighting potential, but the molecular mechanisms remain unclear. The mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathway has become an attractive target of antitumor therapy research in recent years. The regulation of mTOR pathway not only affects cell proliferation and growth but also has an important effect in tumor metabolism. Recent studies indicate that dietary polysaccharides play a vital role in cancer prevention and treatment by regulating mTOR pathway. Here, the progress in targeting mTOR signaling by dietary polysaccharides in cancer prevention and their molecular mechanisms are systemically summarized. It will promote the understanding of the anticancer effects of polysaccharides and provide reference to investigators of this cutting edge field.

Functional Perspective of Leeks: Active Components, Health Benefits and Action Mechanisms

“…Natural products derived from plants have attracted considerable attention for their potential benefits as chemotherapy agents and prophylactic agents against cancer [70]. At the same time, the discovery of some new targets for these natural products in order to prevent or treat tumors plays an important role in cancer therapy [71]. For example, the regulation of mTOR, AMPK, MAPK and other signaling pathways can achieve the effect of cancer prevention and even treatment, and these signaling pathways can be targeted to find suitable active substances in natural products [71][72][73].…”

“…At the same time, the discovery of some new targets for these natural products in order to prevent or treat tumors plays an important role in cancer therapy [71]. For example, the regulation of mTOR, AMPK, MAPK and other signaling pathways can achieve the effect of cancer prevention and even treatment, and these signaling pathways can be targeted to find suitable active substances in natural products [71][72][73]. In recent years, Allium plants have attracted much attention for their effects on various diseases, especially tumors.…”