Abstract
Rho kinases (ROCKs) are the first and the best-characterized effectors of the small G-protein RhoA. In addition to their effect on actin organization, or through this effect, ROCKs have been found to regulate a wide range of fundamental cell functions such as contraction, motility, proliferation, and apoptosis. Abnormal activation of the RhoA/ROCK pathway has been observed in major cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy. This review, based on recent molecular, cellular, and animal studies, focuses on the current understanding of ROCK signaling and its roles in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Review
MeSH terms
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Atherosclerosis / enzymology
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Atherosclerosis / physiopathology
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Cardiovascular Diseases / enzymology
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Cardiovascular Diseases / physiopathology*
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Cardiovascular Physiological Phenomena*
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Cardiovascular System / physiopathology*
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Coronary Restenosis
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Endothelium, Vascular / physiology
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Humans
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Hypertension / enzymology
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Hypertension / physiopathology
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Inflammation / enzymology
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Inflammation / physiopathology
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Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
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Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / physiology
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Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*
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rho-Associated Kinases
Substances
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Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
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Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases
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rho-Associated Kinases