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From mTOR to cognition: molecular and cellular mechanisms of cognitive impairments in tuberous sclerosis
Author(s) -
Ehninger D.,
De Vries P. J.,
Silva A. J.
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
journal of intellectual disability research
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.941
H-Index - 104
eISSN - 1365-2788
pISSN - 0964-2633
DOI - 10.1111/j.1365-2788.2009.01208.x
Subject(s) - tuberous sclerosis , tsc1 , tsc2 , cognition , autism , pi3k/akt/mtor pathway , epilepsy , neuroscience , neuropsychology , psychology , intellectual disability , neurodevelopmental disorder , autism spectrum disorder , phenotype , medicine , psychiatry , biology , signal transduction , gene , genetics
Background Tuberous sclerosis (TSC) is a multi‐system disorder caused by heterozygous mutations in the TSC1 or TSC2 gene and is often associated with neuropsychiatric symptoms, including intellectual disability, specific neuropsychological deficits, autism, other behavioural disorders and epilepsy. Method Here, we review evidence from animal models of TSC for the role of specific molecular and cellular processes in the pathogenesis of cognitive, developmental and epilepsy‐related manifestations seen in the disorder. Results Recent evidence shows that, in animal models, disinhibited mTOR (mammalian target of rapamycin) signalling substantially contributes to neuropsychiatric phenotypes, including cognitive deficits and seizures. We discuss potential pathogenetic mechanisms involved in the cognitive phenotypes of TSC and present implications regarding mTOR inhibitor‐based treatments for TSC‐related neuropsychiatric features. Conclusions Results suggest that reversing the underlying molecular deficits of TSC with rapamycin or other mTOR inhibitors could result in clinically significant improvements of cognitive function and neurological symptoms, even if treatments are started in adulthood.