Rapamycin exerts its effects by binding to the protein FKBP12 (FK506-binding protein 12), forming a complex that inhibits the mTOR complex 1 (mTORC1). By inhibiting mTORC1, rapamycin disrupts several downstream processes essential for cell growth and division, such as protein synthesis and autophagy. This makes it a promising candidate for cancer therapy, where uncontrolled cell proliferation is a hallmark.
