mTOR complex 1: a key player in neuroadaptations induced by drugs of abuse

The mammalian (or mechanistic) target of rapamycin ( mTOR ) complex 1 ( mTORC 1) is a serine and threonine kinase that regulates cell growth, survival, and proliferation. mTORC 1 is a master controller of the translation of a subset of mRNA s. In the central nervous system mTORC 1 plays a crucial role in mechanisms underlying learning and memory by controlling synaptic protein synthesis. Here, we review recent evidence suggesting that the mTORC 1 signaling pathway promotes neuroadaptations following exposure to a diverse group of drugs of abuse including stimulants, cannabinoids, opiates, and alcohol. We further describe potential molecular mechanisms by which drug‐induced mTORC 1 activation may alter brain functions. Finally, we propose that mTORC 1 is a focal point shared by drugs of abuse to mediate drug‐related behaviors such as reward seeking and excessive drug intake, and offer future directions to decipher the contribution of the kinase to mechanisms underlying addiction.Recent studies suggesting that exposure to diverse classes of drugs of abuse as well as exposure to drug‐associated memories lead to mTORC1 kinase activation in the limbic system. In turn, mTORC1 controls the onset and the maintenance of pathological neuroadaptions that underlie several features of drug addiction such as drug seeking and relapse. Therefore, we propose that targeting mTORC1 and its effectors is a promising strategy to treat drug disorders.