Rho-associated kinase signalling and the cancer microenvironment: novel biological implications and therapeutic opportunities

Chin, V., Nagrial, A., Chou, A., Biankin, A. V. , Gill, A., Timpson, P. and Pajic, M. (2015) Rho-associated kinase signalling and the cancer microenvironment: novel biological implications and therapeutic opportunities. Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine, 17, e17. (doi: 10.1017/erm.2015.17) (PMID:26507949)

Abstract

The Rho/ROCK pathway is involved in numerous pivotal cellular processes that have made it an area of intense study in cancer medicine, however, Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) inhibitors are yet to make an appearance in the clinical cancer setting. Their performance as an anti-cancer therapy has been varied in pre-clinical studies, however, they have been shown to be effective vasodilators in the treatment of hypertension and post-ischaemic stroke vasospasm. This review addresses the various roles the Rho/ROCK pathway plays in angiogenesis, tumour vascular tone and reciprocal feedback from the tumour microenvironment and explores the potential utility of ROCK inhibitors as effective vascular normalising agents. ROCK inhibitors may potentially enhance the delivery and efficacy of chemotherapy agents and improve the effectiveness of radiotherapy. As such, repurposing of these agents as adjuncts to standard treatments may significantly improve outcomes for patients with cancer. A deeper understanding of the controlled and dynamic regulation of the key components of the Rho pathway may lead to effective use of the Rho/ROCK inhibitors in the clinical management of cancer.

• Item Type: Articles
• Status: Published
• Refereed: Yes
• Glasgow Author(s) Enlighten ID: Timpson, Dr Paul and Biankin, Professor Andrew
• Authors: Chin, V., Nagrial, A., Chou, A., Biankin, A. V., Gill, A., Timpson, P., and Pajic, M.
• College/School: College of Medical Veterinary and Life Sciences > School of Cancer Sciences
• Journal Name: Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press
• ISSN: 1462-3994
• ISSN (Online): 1462-3994
• Copyright Holders: Copyright © 2015 Cambridge University Press
• First Published: First published in Expert Reviews in Molecular Medicine 17:e17
• Publisher Policy: Reproduced under a Creative Commons License