c-Jun N-terminal kinases: New Insights for Old Cell Signaling Pathways

Dear Colleagues,

The c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase (JNK) signaling pathway is a family of protein kinases that regulates many physiological processes, including inflammatory responses, morphogenesis, cell proliferation, differentiation, survival and death. It is well established that mammals express three JNK proteins (JNK1, JNK2 and JNK3) that are encoded by three separate genes jnk1 (Mapk8), jnk2 (Mapk9) and jnk3 (Mapk10), which are alternatively spliced to create at least 10 variants of 46 and 55 kDa. Depending on distinct stimuli, each JNK is activated by specific MAPKKs, which in turns can be activated by more than one MAPKKK, increasing the complexity and diversity of JNK signaling. Importantly, deregulated activation of JNK signaling pathways are becoming the focus of screening strategies probing for new therapeutic approaches to treat human diseases such as diabetes, neurodegenerative conditions, cardiovascular abnormalities, cancer, inflammation and liver disease.

Although these signaling pathways have been a subject of intensive research for more than two decades, only recent research focuses have greatly contributed to understand the biological activities and functions of each JNK protein in human diseases. This Special Issue aims to collect state-of-the-art primary research studies and review articles from diverse leading groups in the field to update our current understanding of the contributions of JNK to the development and control of specific human conditions. Written by international experts, this Special Issue may include research articles describing the regulatory mechanisms as well as the contribution of each JNK protein to gene transcription and expression, metabolism, cell cycle regulation, immune responses and tumorigenesis therapeutic perspectives.

Dr. Salvatore Papa
Dr. Concetta Bubici
Guest Editors

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