JNK inhibitor CC-930 reduces fibrosis in a murine model of Nf1-deficient fracture repair

Publication date: Available online 13 February 2018 Source:Journal of Applied Biomedicine Author(s): Nikita Deo, Jad El-Hoss, Mille Kolind, Kathy Mikulec, Lauren Peacock, David G. Little, Aaron Schindeler Tibial pseudarthrosis often features deficient bone formation, excessive bone resorption, and extensive pathological fibrosis, particularly in individuals with Neurofibromatosis type I (NF1). It was hypothesized that overactive NF1-Ras-JNK signalling may underlie the pathological fibrosis, and that this could be treated via a JNK antagonist. CC-930, a small molecule JNK inhibitor, was trialed in closed fractures in wild type mice CC-930 (25 mg/kg/twice daily) was dosed throughout fracture healing (D2–21) and during the latter stages of repair (D11–21). All fractures healed by D21, regardless of treatment, with some of the CC-930 (D11–21) treatment group showing early bridging. CC-930 (D11–21) was tested in an Nf1-null fracture model where Nf1 was inactivated by Ad-Cre virus injection in Nf1flox/flox mice; these mice also possessed a Cre-responsive tdTomato transgene. CC-930 resulted in a significant decrease in non-unions (93% vehicle vs. 64% CC-930, p < 0.01). Local treatment with the bone anabolic rhBMP-2 (10 μg) increased union and callus bone volume, but also increased the fibrotic tissue at the fracture site. Fractures treated with a combination of rhBMP-2 (10 μg) and CC-930 were all partially or fully bridged by D21 (p < 0.0...
Source: Journal of Applied Biomedicine - Category: Biotechnology Source Type: research