Research Progress on PI3K/AKT/mTOR Signaling Pathway in Burkitt Lymphoma

Burkitt lymphoma is a highly aggressive subtype of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. And it is one of the fastest growing human tumors. The lymphoma can be divided into three subclasses: endemic type, sporadic type and immunodeficiency-associated type, according to epidemiology and different miRNA profiles. The disease is often found in children and teenagers, rarely in the adults. Outcome with short and intensive chemotherapy is excellent. But the prognosis is poor in adults who are in later period and resistant to therapy. PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway plays an important role in kinds of cellular functions, including growing, differentiation, metabolism, survival and proliferation. Studies have shown that the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway is activated in Burkitt lymphoma, and the inhibitors of this pathway inhibit Burkitt lymphoma cells. We understand the pathogenesis of Burkitt lymphoma by exploring the effects and interaction of PTEN, c-Myc, autophagy and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. And we will manage the combination of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway inhibitors with monoclonal antibodies or other pathway inhibitors to find accurate, effective and low-toxic targeted therapy for the adults with drug resistance or in later period.