Valproic acid ameliorates C. elegans dopaminergic neurodegeneration with implications for ERK-MAPK signaling

► The anti-epileptic drug, valproic acid, exhibits neuroprotective activity in an animal model of Parkinson's disease. ► Valproic acid attenuates dopaminergic neurodegeneration associated with human α-synuclein overproduction in C. elegans. ► Neuroprotection by valproic acid is mediated through ERK-MAPK signaling in vivo.