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Targeting JNK for therapeutic benefit: from junk to gold?
Anthony M Manning1, Roger J Davis
1Roche Pharmaceuticals, 3411 Hillview Avenue, Palo Alto, CA 94306, USA. anthony.manning@roche.com
Abstract:
The c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinases (JNKs) phosphorylate and activate members of the activator protein-1 (AP-1) transcription factor family and other cellular factors implicated in regulating altered gene expression, cellular survival and proliferation in response to cytokines and growth factors, noxious stimuli and oncogenic transformation. Because these events are commonly associated with the pathogenesis of a number of human diseases, the potential of JNK inhibitors as therapeutics has attracted considerable interest. Here we discuss the evidence supporting the application of JNK inhibitors in inflammatory, vascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic and oncological diseases in humans, and describe the present status of drug discovery targeting JNK.
Insights
c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinases (JNKs) play a role in various diseases. JNK inhibitors are being investigated as potential therapeutics for inflammatory, vascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, and oncological conditions.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cellular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinases (JNKs) are crucial signaling molecules involved in cellular responses.
- JNKs regulate gene expression, cell survival, and proliferation.
- Dysregulation of JNK pathways is implicated in various human diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the therapeutic potential of JNK inhibitors.
- To discuss the application of JNK inhibitors in human diseases.
- To outline the current status of JNK-targeted drug discovery.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies on JNK inhibitors.
- Analysis of evidence for JNK inhibitor efficacy in disease models.
- Assessment of drug discovery efforts targeting JNK.
Main Results:
- JNK signaling is implicated in inflammatory, vascular, neurodegenerative, metabolic, and oncological diseases.
- JNK inhibitors show promise as therapeutic agents across these disease areas.
- Drug discovery targeting JNK is an active and evolving field.
Conclusions:
- JNK inhibitors represent a promising therapeutic strategy for a range of human diseases.
- Further research and development are ongoing to optimize JNK-targeted therapies.
- Targeting JNK pathways offers a potential avenue for novel disease treatments.