Neuroprotective peptides that inhibit interaction between palmitoyl acyl transferase zinc-finger DHHC type containing 17 (zD17) and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)
Isolated polypeptides are disclosed herein, the isolated polypeptides comprising at least 90% identity to any one of: SEQ ID NO:1; SEQ ID NO:2; or SEQ ID NO:3, wherein the isolated polypeptide inhibits an interaction between palmitoyl acyl transferase zinc-finger DHHC type containing 17 (z D17) and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). The polypeptides may be conjugated to a delivery and targeting moiety, such as the cell-membrane transduction domain of the HIV-1 Tat protein. There are also provided methods for treating a disease associated with cytotoxicity or excitotoxicity.