Rho-kinase/ROCK: A key regulator of the cytoskeleton and cell polarity

Mutsuki Amano, Masanori Nakayama, Kozo Kaibuchi

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

784 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

10.1002/cm.20472.absRho-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.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)545-554
Number of pages10
JournalCytoskeleton
Volume67
Issue number9
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 09-2010
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Structural Biology
  • Cell Biology

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