Figure 1.

Schematic diagram of the potential mechanism by which the activation of mTOR regulates Aβ.

Notes: Aβ is generated from APP by the sequential cleavage of β-secretase and γ-secretase. The activation of mTOR could upregulate β- and γ-secretases in the process of Aβ generation. Additionally, the activation of mTOR contributes to the dysfunction of autophagy, which leads to accumulations of immature forms of AVs, enhancing the failure of Aβ clearance and the Aβ deposition and formation of Aβ plaques.

Abbreviations: Akt, protein kinase B; AMPK, AMP-activated protein kinase; APP, amyloid precursor protein; AVs, autophagic vacuoles; GSK-3, glycogen synthase kinase 3; IGF-1, insulin-like growth factor 1; mTOR, mammalian target of rapamycin; PI3-K, phosphoinositide 3-kinase.