JNK

c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNKs), also known as stress-activated protein kinases (SAPKs), are a subgroup of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) family. JNKs are activated in response to various stressors, including UV radiation, inflammatory cytokines, and reactive oxygen species. They play critical roles in regulating cell differentiation, survival, apoptosis, and inflammation. Due to their involvement in cell stress responses, JNK pathways are implicated in several diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory conditions. Targeting JNKs offers therapeutic potential, with research focused on developing inhibitors that can modulate JNK activity to treat these diseases while minimizing side effects related to pathway inhibition.