title: Rho-kinase as a therapeutic target in vascular diseases: striking nitric oxide signaling.
abstract: Rho GTPases are a globular, monomeric group of small signaling G-protein molecules. Rho-associated protein kinase/Rho-kinase (ROCK) is a downstream effector protein of the Rho GTPase. Rho-kinases are the potential therapeutic targets in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Here, we have primarily discussed the intriguing roles of ROCK in cardiovascular health in relation to nitric oxide signaling. Further, we highlighted the biphasic effects of Y-27632, a ROCK inhibitor under shear stress, which acts as an agonist of nitric oxide production in endothelial cells. The biphasic effects of this inhibitor raised the question of safety of the drug usage in treating cardiovascular diseases.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pathology, LSU Health-Shreveport, USA.
authors.forename: Gopi Krishna
authors.initials: GK
authors.lastname: Kolluru
authors.affiliation: Aab Cardiovascular Research Institute, School of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Rochester, Rochester, NY, USA.
authors.forename: Syamantak
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Majumder
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, Anna University, Chennai, India; Vascular Biology Lab, AU-KBC Research Centre, Anna University, Chennai, India. Electronic address: soovro@yahoo.ca.
authors.forename: Suvro
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Chatterjee
mesh_terms: D000577:Amides / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016503:Drug Delivery Systems; D006801:Humans; D009569:Nitric Oxide / Q000378:metabolism*; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011725:Pyridines / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000187:drug effects; D014652:Vascular Diseases / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000201:enzymology*; D054460:rho-Associated Kinases / Q000037:antagonists & inhibitors / Q000378:metabolism*
chemical_list: D000577:Amides; D047428:Protein Kinase Inhibitors; D011725:Pyridines; C108830:Y 27632; D009569:Nitric Oxide; D054460:rho-Associated Kinases
keywords: Nitric oxide; ROCK inhibitors; Rho-GTPases; Shear stress