The Role of the mTOR Pathway in Learning and Memory

Research implicates the mTOR pathway, now known to be a regulator of protein synthesis, as a major player in both neuronal development and cognition. This study demonstrates, both through experimentation and a review of the literature, how disrupting the function of the mTOR pathway has adverse effects on learning and memory. Through delayed fear conditioning procedures, trace fear conditioning procedures, and a novel object test, this study demonstrates marked deficits in learning and memory in homozygous PTEN knockout mice, specifically in the Gfap-CreloxP induced knockout. This opens the door for further research on treatments with the potential to alleviate the symptoms of the knockout that may then be implemented in the treatment of hyperactive mTOR related disease.