Rho-kinase/ROCK: A key regulator of the cytoskeleton and cell polarity.
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Amano M, Nakayama M, Kaibuchi K
Rho-kinase/ROCK: A key regulator of the cytoskeleton and cell polarity.
Cytoskeleton (Hoboken). 2010 Sep;67(9):545-54. doi: 10.1002/cm.20472.
- PubMed ID
- 20803696 [ View in PubMed]
- Abstract
Rho-associated kinase (Rho-kinase/ROCK/ROK) is an effector of the small GTPase Rho and belongs to the AGC family of kinases. Rho-kinase has pleiotropic functions including the regulation of cellular contraction, motility, morphology, polarity, cell division, and gene expression. Pharmacological analyses have revealed that Rho-kinase is involved in a wide range of diseases such as vasospasm, pulmonary hypertension, nerve injury, and glaucoma, and is therefore considered to be a potential therapeutic target. This review focuses on the structure, function, and modes of activation and action of Rho-kinase.