Mammalian target of rapamycin is activated in the kidneys of patients with scleroderma renal crisis

Objectives: Scleroderma renal crisis is a rare but serious complication affecting 2%-15% of patients with systemic sclerosis. Despite treatment with angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, outcomes for scleroderma renal crisis patients are still poor. The cellular signaling mechanisms in scleroderma renal crisis are not yet known. Mammalian target of rapamycin, comprised of the subunits mTORC1 and mTORC2, has been shown to be activated in …