The research advances in neuroprotection of glycogen synthase kinase-3β

Background The glycogen synthase kinase -3β (GSK-3β) is a multifunctional Ser/Thr kinase involved in a variety of metabolic processes,and is abundant in central nervous system.Recent studies revealed that the dysfunction of GSK-3β is associated with numerous pathophysiologic processes. Objective We analysized and summarized the role of modulation of GSK-3β activity in neuroprotection with its related mechanism. Content This article described the basic structure and modulation of GSK-3β,the neuroprotection of GSK-3β inhibitor against cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury and related mechanism. Trend The neuroprotective effect of GSK-3β inhibitor against cerebral ischemia reperfusion injury demonstrated the therapeutic prospective of development of isoform-specific inhibitors or gene silencing. Key words: Glycogen synthase kinase-3β;  Neuroprotection;  Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury