Chronic neuroprotection
How inhibiting DLK could be neuroprotective in both ALS and AD
Two studies by Genentech have shown DLK inhibition is neuroprotective in two chronic neurodegenerative diseases and suggest the target may play a broad role in driving neurodegeneration, regardless of the underlying cause.
MAP kinase kinase kinase 12 (DLK; MAP3K12) is primarily expressed in neuronal cells, where it plays roles in stress response and neuronal injury. Previous studies showed inhibition of the c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway -- downstream of DLK -- could slow neuronal degeneration, but development of JNK inhibitors that cross the blood-brain barrier has been dogged by safety problems...