Rho-associated Coiled-coil Forming Kinase (ROCK): a potential target for the treatment of atherosclerosis and vascular disease

摘要

The Rho/Rho-associated coiled-coil forming kinases (ROCKs) are important regulators of the actin cytoskeleton. Because changes in the actin cytoskeleton underlie vascular contractility and remodeling, inflammatory cell recruitment, and cellular proliferation, it is likely that the Rho/ROCK pathway will play a central role in mediating vascular function. Indeed, increased ROCK activity is observed in cerebral and coronary vasospasm, hypertension, vascular inflammation, arteriosclerosis, and atherosclerosis. Recent experimental and clinical studies suggest that inhibition of ROCK could be a promising target for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. For example, inhibition of ROCK might be the underlying mechanism by which statins or HMG-CoA reductase inhibitors exert their therapeutic benefits beyond cholesterol reduction. In this review, we provide a current understanding of the critical role of RhoA/ROCK pathway in the regulation of vascular function and discuss its therapeutic potential in the treatment of atherosclerosis and vascular disease.