News Release

Vertex Researchers Report Three-Dimensional Atomic Structure Of JNK3 Enzyme; Report In Structure

Peer-Reviewed Publication

Vertex Pharmaceuticals


JNK3 enzyme
Three-dimensional atomic structure of JNK3 enzyme

Vertex researchers have solved the three-dimensional atomic structure of the JNK3 enzyme, a research advance that may pave the way for new drugs to treat epilepsy and stroke. The discovery, which represents the first known structure of JNK3, will be published in the August 15, 1998 issue of the journal Structure.

JNK3 belongs to the MAP Kinase family of enzymes, a group of proteins that help to transmit signals from the surface of cells to the nucleus, allowing cells to respond to their environment. Pharmaceutical industry interest in JNK3 stems from animal studies that implicate JNK3 in neurological diseases such as epilepsy. Genomic research has shown that mice bred to be deficient in JNK3 show reduced susceptibility to seizure and neuronal cell death.

Vertex's has an established track record of applying structural information to genomic discoveries as part of an effort to discover new drugs against innovative targets. Vertex employs an interdisciplinary approach that integrates biophysics, biology and chemistry towards the efficient design and development of novel pharmaceuticals.

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