ARTICLE | Translation in Brief
Chronic neuroprotection
How inhibiting DLK could be neuroprotective in both ALS and AD
October 5, 2017 9:50 PM UTC
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...