[Frontiers in Bioscience E4, 2110-2120, January 1, 2012]

The JNK signalling transduction pathway in the brain

Xanthi Antoniou1, Tiziana Borsello1

1Department of Neuroscience, Mario Negri Institute for Pharmacological Research, Milano, 20156, Italy

TABLE OF CONTENTS

1. Abstract
2. Introduction
2.1. JNK signalling pathway
3. Role of the JNK pathway in the developing brain
4. Physiological role of the JNK pathway in the adult brain
5. Pathophysiological role of the JNK pathway in the adult brain
5.1. Excitotoxicity
5.2. Stroke
5.3. Alzheimer's Disease (AD)
5.4. Parkinson's Disease (PD)
5.5. Neuroinflammation
5.6. Pain
5.7. Brain Tumours
6. Future Perspectives
7. Acknowledgments
8. References

1. ABSTRACT

Among the numerous intracellular signalling pathways that control brain development and pathogenesis c-Jun N-terminal kinases have a leading role in the Central Nervous System. JNKs regulate a wide range of processes in brain development, plasticity, repair/regeneration, neuronal death and neuroinflammation. Indeed, accumulating evidence underline the potential of JNK targeted molecules towards the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. The focus of the presenting review is to provide an overview of the reported data linking JNKs to brain function and dysfunction.