Other potential cytotoxic effects of alkylphospholipids include telomere shortening in cancer cells, induction of autophagy, inhibition of mTOR signaling, activation of cellular stress pathways leading to tumor cell apoptosis, and interference with the synthesis of phospholipids necessary for cell membrane formation, which is often rate-limiting in the setting of hyperproliferation. This evidence concerns the gene MTOR and neoplasm.