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Association of mTOR Gene Expression with Molecular and Clinical Features in Breast Cancer Patients

Articles in Press

Document Type : Original Article

Authors

1 Hematology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

2 Department of Oncosurgery, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran

3 Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Gerash University of Medical Sciences, Gerash, Iran

10.30476/smsj.2026.108620.1690

Abstract

Introduction: Breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women worldwide, and the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway plays a key role in regulating cell growth, proliferation, and survival. Evaluation of mTOR gene expression might serve as a potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarker in patients with breast cancer. 
Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 99 newly diagnosed breast cancer patients and 49 healthy individuals as controls were evaluated. The mTOR gene expression levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were measured using RT-qPCR. Clinicopathological data, including molecular subtype, disease stage, and hormonal receptor status (ER, PR, HER2), were recorded and analyzed. Data analysis was performed using SPSS software (version 27.0, IBM Corp., USA).
Results: The mean mTOR expression level in breast cancer patients (1.87±0.21) was significantly higher than in the control group (1.45±0.18; P<0.001). The highest mTOR expression was observed in HER2-positive patients (2.14±0.21), while the lowest levels were found in luminal A (1.74±0.10) and triple negative (1.74±0.21) subtypes. However, the difference among subtypes was not statistically significant (P=0.342). A significant correlation was found between mTOR expression and ER, PR, and HER2 receptor status (P<0.001).
Conclusion: The increased expression of mTOR in breast cancer patients suggested its potential role in disease progression and treatment resistance. These findings support mTOR as a promising therapeutic target and molecular biomarker that might aid in developing personalized treatment strategies.
 

Keywords

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Available Online from 25 August 2026
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