Rho kinases in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology

G Loirand, P Guérin, P Pacaud - Circulation research, 2006 - Am Heart Assoc
G Loirand, P Guérin, P Pacaud
Circulation research, 2006Am Heart Assoc
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 …
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.
Am Heart Assoc