CEP-1347 KT7515, A JNK PATHWAY INHIBITOR, SUPPORTS THE IN-VITRO SURVIVAL OF CHICK EMBRYONIC NEURONS/

DEVELOPING neurons depend on target-derived trophic factors for surviv al in vivo and in vitro, which also decrease the activity of c-Jun N-t erminal kinase (JNK). We have recently described a survival-promoting effect of inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases and JNK on chick peri pheral embryonic neurons. Here, we report that the small trophic molec ule CEP-1347/KT7515, which has been shown to inhibit the JNK signallin g pathway, can promote long term-survival of cultured chick embryonic dorsal root ganglion, sympathetic, ciliary and motor neurons. Because of their pharmacological properties, small trophic molecules such as C EP1347/KT7515 might be of interest for the treatment of neurodegenerat ive disorders. (C) 1998 Rapid Science Ltd.