Work

RhoA/ROCK Signaling in Vascular Dysfunction: Emerging Insights and Therapeutic Perspectives

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: The Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) family is increasingly recognized as a key regulator of vascular biology and a contributor to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Within the vascular system, the RhoA/ROCK pathway governs several essential functions, including endothelial homeostasis, vascular smooth muscle cell contraction, and maintenance of vascular tone. Given its central role in these processes, dysregulation of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway has been implicated in the development and progression of various vascular disorders, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, restenosis, and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway under both physiological and pathological conditions and discuss the therapeutic potential and clinical applications of ROCK inhibitors in the treatment of vascular diseases.

Source: International Journal of Drug Discovery and Pharmacology

DOI: 10.53941/ijddp.2025.100022

Authors: Xiao Du, Weijia Luo, Jiang Chang

Institutions: Capital Medical University, Beijing Friendship Hospital, Texas A&M University

Language: English

Topic: Protein Kinase Regulation and GTPase Signaling

Subfield: Molecular Biology

Field: Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology

Domain: Life Sciences

SDG: Good health and well-being

Open Access status: diamond

Funders: U.S. Department of Defense, American Heart Association, National Institutes of Health, National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute