Jun N-terminal kinase as a potential molecular target for prevention and treatment of dermal fibrosis

Abstract

These data identify JNK as a MAPK important for the activation of fibroblasts and for the synthesis of extracellular matrix in fibroblasts of SSc patients. The selective JNK-inhibitor CC930 disclosed potent anti-fibrotic effects in vitro as well as in different animal models of SSc.

Supplementary, CC930 showed a physiological compatibility. Thus, JNK might be a potential novel molecular target for the treatment of fibrosis in SSc.

Keywords

• systemic sclerosis
• experimental dermal fibrosis
• JNK inhibitor
• MAPK