On the other hand, MEK/ERK activation is believed to be neuroprotective in HD.430,432 The reduction of nutrients obtained by striatal neurons will in turn activate ERK to increase compensatory responses.430 Increased MEK activity promotes the activation of ERK/CREB, reduces the caspase-3 activity, increases the phosphorylation of HTT and autophagic clearance of mHTT, and ultimately supports neuronal survival.415,436,437. The gene discussed is CREB1; the disease is Huntington disease.