In age-related macular degeneration (AMD), exudation of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) results in severe vision loss. This study investigated the role of JUN kinase (JNK) in the development of CNV. In a model of wet AMD, mice lacking JNK1 had reduced inflammation, reduced CNV and lower levels of choroidal vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Intravitreal injection of a specific peptidic JNK inhibitor decreased choroidal VEGF expression and reduced pathological CNV. These results suggest that JNK inhibition could complement existing VEGF-targeted therapies in AMD.
ORIGINAL RESEARCH PAPER
Du, H. et al. JNK inhibition reduces apoptosis and neovascularization in a murine model of age-related macular degeneration. Proc. Natl Acad. Sci. USA 110, 2377–2382 (2013)
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Harrison, C. A new target in age-related macular degeneration. Nat Rev Drug Discov 12, 190 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd3968
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/nrd3968