Rock2

Olson, M. F. (2007) Rock2. AFCS-Nature Molecule Pages, (doi: 10.1038/mp.a002089.01)

Abstract

Rock2 is a serine/threonine kinase that is activated by association with RhoGTP. The most closely related protein is Rock1 with 65% overall identity and 92% identity in their kinase domains. Activation of Rock2 results in the phosphorylation of a number of substrates, leading to the stabilization of filamentous actin and increased myosin ATPase activity. These events promote the formation of contractile actin-myosin bundles (often called stress fibres) and integrin-containing focal adhesions. Through modulating actin-myosin contractility, Rock2 has a significant role in the regulation of cell morphology, motility and adhesion. There is considerable focus on the role of Rock2 in pathophysiological conditions, including cancer, hypertension, asthma and glaucoma. One reason for the interest in Rock2 in human diseases is the availability of therapeutic Rock inhibitors, which in some cases are already in clinical use for indications such as cerebral vasospasm. Rock inhibitors are also currently being studied in clinical trials for their effects on vascular function.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Olson, Professor Michael
• Authors: Olson, M. F.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: AFCS-Nature Molecule Pages
• Publisher: University of California, San Diego
• ISSN: 1477-5921
• ISSN (Online): 2328-8124