Faculty, Staff and Student Publications
Language
English
Publication Date
1-1-2025
Journal
International Journal of Drug Discovery and Pharmacology
DOI
10.53941/ijddp.2025.100018
PMID
41377066
PMCID
PMC12687578
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
12-10-2025
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Author MSS
Abstract
The Rho/ROCK (Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing protein kinase) signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in regulating diverse cellular processes, including cytoskeletal organization, cell migration, proliferation, and apoptosis. Dysregulation of this pathway has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various diseases, such as cardiovascular disorders, cancer, neurological conditions, and fibrotic diseases. Accumulating evidence supports the therapeutic potential of targeting Rho/ROCK, with several inhibitors currently under investigation or in clinical use. This review summarizes the molecular mechanisms underlying Rho/ROCK signaling, explores its involvement in disease progression, and discusses recent advances in the development of and the clinical application of ROCK inhibitors as promising therapeutic agents.
Keywords
Rho, ROCK, drug-targeting, fibrosis
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Zixiu Cheng, Shannon Erhardt, and Jun Wang, "Rho/ROCK Pathway as a Therapeutic Target in Multiple Diseases" (2025). Faculty, Staff and Student Publications. 4292.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/uthmed_docs/4292