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 survival in vivo and in vitro, which also decrease the activity of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). We have recently described a survival-promoting effect of inhibitors of cyclin-dependent kinases and JNK on chick peripheral embryonic neurons. Here, we report that the small trophic molecule CEP-1347/KT7515, which has been shown to inhibit the JNK signalling 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 CEP1347/KT7515 might be of interest for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. (C) 1998 Rapid Science Ltd.