Mammalian Target of Rapamycin (mTOR) as a Potential Therapeutic Target in Pathological Ocular Angiogenesis

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Pathological ocular angiogenesis is a causative factor of retinopathy of prematurity, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, and wet age-related macular degeneration. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays an important role in pathological angiogenesis, and anti-VEGF agents have been used to treat the ocular diseases that are driven by pathological angiogenesis. However, adverse effects associated with the blockade of VEGF signaling, including impairments of normal retinal vascular growth and retinal function, were suggested. Therefore, the development of a safe, effective strategy to prevent pathological ocular angiogenesis is needed. Recent studies have demonstrated that inhibitors of the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) target proliferating endothelial cells within the retinal vasculature. Here, we review the potential of targeting the mTOR pathway to treat pathological ocular angiogenesis.