Protein phosphorylation is a fundamental regulatory mechanism governing a broad spectrum of cellular processes. In the nervous system, it is critical for modulating neurotransmitter release, synaptic plasticity, neuronal excitability, and cell survival. Dysregulation of protein kinase activity is closely linked to the pathogenesis of various neurological and psychiatric disorders, positioning several kinases as promising therapeutic targets. Although protein kinase inhibitors (PKIs), a major class of compounds that modulate kinase activity, have shown considerable therapeutic success in oncology, their application in neurological diseases remains in the early stages of exploration. Of the 82 PKIs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), 37 are now in various preclinical and clinical trials for neurological conditions, primarily targeting signaling pathways mediated by key protein kinases implicated in these diseases. This review examines the roles of critical protein kinases and the therapeutic effects of their inhibitors in neurodegenerative, psychiatric, and selected neurological disorders, such as autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and epilepsy. We focus on Abelson kinase I (ABL1), calmodulin-dependent kinase II (CaMKII), casein kinase 1δ (CK1δ), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), cyclin-dependent kinase 5 (CDK5), dual-specificity tyrosine-phosphorylated and regulated kinase 1A (DYRK1A), leucine-rich repeat kinase 2 (LRRK2), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase, and protein kinase C (PKC) in neurodegenerative diseases. Additionally, we discuss CaMKII, CDK5, ERK1/2, PI3K/AKT/GSK3, protein kinase A (PKA), and PKC in psychiatric disorders, focusing on schizophrenia and mood disorders, and analyze GSK3β, ERK1/2, and mTOR in ASD and epilepsy. This review underscores the therapeutic potential of PKIs in neurological disorders while highlighting ongoing challenges and the need for further research to refine kinase-targeted therapies.

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a complex disease that leads to significant mortality and disability worldwide each year. TBI disrupts the normal activity of kinases and molecular signaling pathways, but the effective therapeutic methods for patients remain limited. Nowadays, kinase inhibitors approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) mainly for cancer treatment have shown potential effects in TBI. Preclinical studies suggest their potential in promoting recovery. There are fewer randomized clinical studies that evaluate efficacy. We search the kinase inhibitors approved by the FDA and traumatic brain injury as keywords on websites and analyze associated research. This review explores the therapeutic efficacy of kinase inhibitors, identifies limitations that must be addressed in future research to advance the application of FDA-approved kinase inhibitors, and emphasizes their promising potential.