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c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling: recent advances and challenges

Marie A Bogoyevitch1, Kevin R W Ngoei, Teresa T Zhao

  • 1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bio21 Molecular Science and Biotechnology Institute, University of Melbourne, 30 Flemington Road, Parkville, Victoria 3010, Australia. marieb@unimelb.edu.au

Biochimica Et Biophysica Acta
|November 11, 2009
PubMed

Insights

New c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) inhibitors show promise for treating diseases like diabetes and liver disease. Research is advancing understanding of JNK biochemistry and targeting specific JNK isoforms in tissues.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Pharmacology

Background:

  • c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), part of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family, are activated by stress.
  • JNKs play critical roles in diseases including diabetes, neurodegeneration, and liver disease.
  • Targeting JNKs is a key strategy in drug discovery for these conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review recent advancements in the discovery and development of JNK inhibitors.
  • To discuss progress in understanding JNK structure, catalytic mechanisms, and substrates.
  • To highlight the use of JNK gene knockout models in elucidating in vivo functions.

Main Methods:

  • Review of literature on ATP-competitive and ATP-noncompetitive JNK inhibitors.
  • Analysis of recent findings in JNK biochemistry, including structural and mechanistic studies.
  • Examination of data from JNK gene knockout animal models, including tissue-specific knockouts.

Main Results:

  • Significant progress has been made in developing novel JNK inhibitors.
  • Enhanced understanding of JNK structure and function is aiding inhibitor design.
  • JNK knockout studies are revealing tissue-specific roles of JNK isoforms in vivo.

Conclusions:

  • Developing effective JNK inhibitors requires a deep understanding of JNK biochemistry and structure.
  • Targeting specific JNK isoforms in particular tissues presents significant challenges.
  • Continued research is crucial for advancing JNK-targeted therapies for various diseases.

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