Rho-associated Coiled Coil-containing Kinase Research Articles

Strategic development and validation of Isoquinoline-Derived inhibitors targeting ROCK1 kinase

Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCKs) have emerged as pivotal downstream effectors of small guanosine triphosphatases. In recent years, isoquinoline derivatives have garnered substantial attention as potent inhibitors of ROCK1 (RKIs). To delve deeper into their pharmacological properties and to identify potential inhibitors, we conducted an in-depth exploration of a series of RKIs derived from isoquinoline derivatives. This exploration encompassed a multifaceted approach, combining three-dimensional quantitative structure–activity relationship modeling, induced fit docking, and virtual screening. Our comparative molecular field analysis model (q2 = 0.609, R2 = 0.991, ONC = 6, and r2pred = 0.973) and the most robust comparative molecular similarity indices analysis model (q2 = 0.712, R2 = 0.998, ONC = 7, and r2pred = 0.89) exhibited commendable predictive accuracy, bolstered by robust validation parameters. To gain deeper insights into the mechanism of action of isoquinoline-based RKIs, we harnessed precise docking techniques, including induced fit docking, structural interaction fingerprints, and binding pose metadynamics simulations. Employing the PRRR_2 pharmacophore, we meticulously screened Enamine's HLL-460 compound library, unearthing thousands of isoquinoline compounds that aligned with the desired profile. Subsequently, we identified three promising compounds (DS01, DS02, and DS03) through Glide docking, each assessed at varying precision levels. These compounds underwent comprehensive evaluation for their drug-like properties, leveraging QikProp and SwissADME, ultimately unveiling their potential as novel and efficacious RKIs. Furthermore, bolstered by molecular dynamics simulations and validated through activity assays, the bioactivity of the screened molecules DS02, and DS03 was corroborated. DS02 and DS03, previously unreported for their activity against ROCK1, delivered exceptionally promising results. This comprehensive study not only elucidates validated strategies for drug development but also imparts invaluable insights into the design of potent RKIs.

Application and Study of ROCK Inhibitors in Pulmonary Fibrosis: Recent Developments and Future Perspectives.

Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing kinases (ROCKs), serine/threonine protein kinases, were initially identified as downstream targets of the small GTP-binding protein Rho. Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a lethal disease with limited therapeutic options and a particularly poor prognosis. Interestingly, ROCK activation has been demonstrated in PF patients and in animal PF models, making it a promising target for PF treatment. Many ROCK inhibitors have been discovered, and four of these have been approved for clinical use; however, no ROCK inhibitors are approved for the treatment of PF patients. In this article, we describe ROCK signaling pathways and the structure-activity relationship, potency, selectivity, binding modes, pharmacokinetics (PKs), biological functions, and recently reported inhibitors of ROCKs in the context of PF. We will also focus our attention on the challenges to be addressed when targeting ROCKs and discuss the strategy of ROCK inhibitor use in the treatment of PF.

H2S-mediated inhibition of RhoA/ROCK pathway and noncoding RNAs in ischemic stroke.

Ischemic stroke is one of major causes of disability. In the pathological process of ischemic stroke, the up-regulation of Ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA) and its downstream effector, Ras homolog gene family (Rho)-associated coiled coil-containing kinase (ROCK), contribute to the neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, neuronal apoptosis, axon growth inhibition and astrogliosis. Accumulating evidences have revealed that hydrogen sulphide (H2S) could reduce brain injury in animal model of ischemic stroke via inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway. Recently, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as circular RNAs (circRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have attracted much attention because of their essential role in adjusting gene expression both in physiological and pathological conditions. Numerous studies have uncovered the role of RhoA/ROCK pathway and ncRNAs in ischemic stroke. In this review, we focused on the role of H2S, RhoA/ROCK pathway and ncRNAs in ischemic stroke and aimed to reveal new strategies for preventing and treating this devastating disease.

Involvement of Rho-Associated Coiled-Coil Containing Kinase (ROCK) in BCR-ABL1 Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor Cardiovascular Toxicity

BackgroundSecond- and third-generation BCR-ABL1 tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are associated with cardiovascular adverse events (CVAEs) in patients with Philadelphia chromosome–positive (Ph+) leukemia. ObjectivesWe hypothesized that second- and third-generation BCR-ABL1 TKIs may cause CVAEs through the activation of Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase (ROCK). MethodsPeripheral blood mononuclear cells from 53 Ph+ patients on TKIs and 15 control patients without Ph+ leukemia were assessed for ROCK activity through capillary electrophoresis (median follow-up = 26 months [Q1-Q3: 5-37 months]). We also investigated the effects of TKIs and ROCK on endothelial dysfunction in vitro, which could contribute to CVAEs. ResultsPatients receiving second- and third-generation TKIs had 1.6-fold greater ROCK activity compared with patients receiving imatinib and control patients. Elevated ROCK activity was associated with an increased incidence of CVAEs in Ph+ leukemia patients. In endothelial cells in vitro, we found that dasatinib and ponatinib treatment led to changes in actin intensity and endothelial permeability, which can be reversed by pharmacologic inhibition of ROCK. Ponatinib led to decreased cell proliferation, but this was not accompanied by senescence. Dasatinib and ponatinib treatment led to phosphor-inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide synthase and decreased nitric oxide production. ROCK inhibition reversed endothelial permeability and endothelial nitric oxide synthase–related endothelial dysfunction. Imatinib and nilotinib induce phosphorylation of p190RhoGAP. ConclusionsOur findings suggest ROCK activity may be a prognostic indicator of CVAEs in patients receiving BCR-ABL1 TKIs. With further study, ROCK inhibition may be a promising approach to reduce the incidence of CVAEs associated with second- and third-generation BCR-ABL1 TKIs.

Oxycodone relieves permeability damage and apoptosis of oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation-induced brain microvascular endothelial cells through ras homolog family member A (RhoA)/ Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCK)/ myosin light chain 2 (MLC2) signal

ABSTRACT Cerebrovascular disease, an important cause of acute ischemic stroke, has attracted worldwide attention. Oxycodone has been widely used to treat various painful disorders. This study was designed to explore the mechanism of oxycodone in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-induced brain microvascular endothelial cell model. For the reliability of the results in the following experiments, the viability was firstly detected using CCK-8. With the application of LDH, TEER and TUNEL assays, the LDH expression, permeability and apoptosis of brain microvascular endothelial cells were detected, respectively. Besides, the mRNA and protein expressions of tight junction proteins and RhoA were measured using RT-qPCR and Western blot. Moreover, RT-qPCR was employed to evaluate the expressions of inflammatory cytokines. Western blot was adopted to measure the levels of RhoA, ROCK, MLC2 and apoptosis-related proteins. The results revealed that oxycodone attenuated permeability damage, inflammatory factor release and apoptosis of OGD/R-induced brain microvascular endothelial cells in a dose-dependent manner. It was also found that oxycodone could reduce the expressions of RhoA, ROCK and MLC2 in brain microvascular endothelial cells induced by OGD/R. More importantly, oxycodone exhibited desirable effects on OGD/R-induced brain microvascular endothelial cells through RhoA/ROCK/MLC2 signal. In conclusion, oxycodone relieved permeability damage and apoptosis of OGD/R-induced brain microvascular endothelial cells through RhoA/ROCK/MLC2 signal, suggesting that oxycodone might be an effective method for the improvement of cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury.

IGF-1 protects against angiotensin II-induced cardiac fibrosis by targeting \u03b1SMA

The insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor (IGF-1R) signaling in cardiomyocytes is implicated in physiological hypertrophy and myocardial aging. Although fibroblasts account for a small amount of the heart, they are activated when the heart is damaged to promote cardiac remodeling. However, the role of IGF-1R signaling in cardiac fibroblasts is still unknown. In this study, we investigated the roles of IGF-1 signaling during agonist-induced cardiac fibrosis and evaluated the molecular mechanisms in cultured cardiac fibroblasts. Using an experimental model of cardiac fibrosis with angiotensin II/phenylephrine (AngII/PE) infusion, we found severe interstitial fibrosis in the AngII/PE infused myofibroblast-specific IGF-1R knockout mice compared to the wild-type mice. In contrast, low-dose IGF-1 infusion markedly attenuated AngII-induced cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting fibroblast proliferation and differentiation. Mechanistically, we demonstrated that IGF-1-attenuated AngII-induced cardiac fibrosis through the Akt pathway and through suppression of rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCK)2-mediated α-smooth muscle actin (αSMA) expression. Our study highlights a novel function of the IGF-1/IGF-1R signaling in agonist-induced cardiac fibrosis. We propose that low-dose IGF-1 may be an efficacious therapeutic avenue against cardiac fibrosis.

Transient rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase (ROCK) inhibition on human retinal pigment epithelium results in persistent Rho/ROCK downregulation

Retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells is the outermost layer of the retina and RPE dysfunction is a key factor in the disease pathogenesis of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Transplantation therapy using induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC)-derived RPEs has recently received much attention as a treatment for AMD. Preserving these cells under the best possible conditions is important, and preservation methods using Y-27632 have been reported. Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase (ROCK) inhibitors are known to inhibit cell death, emerging as important drug candidates for stem cell differentiation and regenerative medicine. However, it has recently been shown that ROCK inhibitors may have a vasodilatory effect on human retinal arterioles, a side effect that should ideally be avoided in RPE transplantation. Although ROCK inhibitors hold great potential, optimizing efficacy while minimizing adverse reactions is critical for translation into a clinical treatment. We examined the effect of transient exposure of RPE cells to ROCK inhibitor Y-27632 to determine whether the extracellular presence of the drug is necessary for ongoing Rho/ROCK downregulation. Human RPE cells were subcultured as a suspension for 4 h in drug-free medium following exposure to Y-27632 for 2 h. A Y-27632 concentration of >10 μM improved cell survival beyond 4 h and cell proliferation in recovery culture medium. ROCK2 expression levels were specifically downregulated by Y-27632 in the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway. In conclusion, we demonstrated that the effect of Y-27632 is not dependent on its extracellular availability and can last beyond the 2 h of exposure. The lasting Rho/ROCK signaling pathway downregulation by Y-27632 suggests that RPE cell transplantation with ROCK inhibitor-free media is possible, which can minimize side effects to host tissue and have wider implications for transplantation methods requiring ROCK inhibition.

ROCK (RhoA/Rho Kinase) in Cardiovascular-Renal Pathophysiology: A Review of New Advancements.

Rho-associated, coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCK) were originally identified as effectors of the RhoA small GTPase and found to belong to the AGC family of serine/threonine kinases. They were shown to be downstream effectors of RhoA and RhoC activation. They signal via phosphorylation of proteins such as MYPT-1, thereby regulating many key cellular functions including proliferation, motility and viability and the RhoA/ROCK signaling has been shown to be deeply involved in arterial hypertension, cardiovascular–renal remodeling, hypertensive nephropathy and posttransplant hypertension. Given the deep involvement of ROCK in cardiovascular–renal pathophysiology and the interaction of ROCK signaling with other signaling pathways, the reports of trials on the clinical beneficial effects of ROCK’s pharmacologic targeting are growing. In this current review, we provide a brief survey of the current understanding of ROCK-signaling pathways, also integrating with the more novel data that overall support a relevant role of ROCK for the cardiovascular–renal physiology and pathophysiology.

ROCK Inhibitor-Induced Promotion of Retinal Pigment Epithelial Cell Motility during Wound Healing.

Purpose No standard therapy for RPE tear, a complication of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, exists even though RPE tears cause severe vision loss, and promotion of cell proliferation and/or migration could be a candidate RPE tear therapy. The aim of this study is to evaluate the effect of Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y27632 on retinal pigment epithelial (RPE) cell motility during wound healing. Methods Human RPE cells were cultured in media with and without 10 μM Y27632. A luminescent cell viability assay and vinculin immunocytochemistry were used to test the Y27632 effect on RPE cell adhesion. The mean size of vinculin puncta was quantified from immunofluorescence images. RPE cell motility during wound healing was evaluated using time-lapse imaging and measuring cell migration distances and cell coverage rate in wound fields. Results The number of adhered RPE and mean size of vinculin puncta were, respectively, 20519 cells and 3.65 μm2 under nontreatment and 23569 cells and 0.66 μm2 under Y27632 treatment. Cell migration distance and cell coverage percentage for untreated and Y27632-treated cells were 98.9 and 59.4% and 203.4 and 92.5%, respectively. Conclusions Inhibition of ROCK signaling by using 10 μM Y27632 promoted RPE cell motility during wound healing by reducing RPE cell adhesion strength.

Ubiquitination and Long Non-coding RNAs Regulate Actin Cytoskeleton Regulators in Cancer Progression

Actin filaments are a major component of the cytoskeleton in eukaryotic cells and play an important role in cancer metastasis. Dynamics and reorganization of actin filaments are regulated by numerous regulators, including Rho GTPases, PAKs (p21-activated kinases), ROCKs (Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases), LIMKs (LIM domain kinases), and SSH1 (slingshot family protein phosphate 1). Ubiquitination, as a ubiquitous post-transcriptional modification, deceases protein levels of actin cytoskeleton regulatory factors and thereby modulates the actin cytoskeleton. There is increasing evidence showing cytoskeleton regulation by long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) in cancer metastasis. However, which E3 ligases are activated for the ubiquitination of actin-cytoskeleton regulators involved in tumor metastasis remains to be fully elucidated. Moreover, it is not clear how lncRNAs influence the expression of actin cytoskeleton regulators. Here, we summarize physiological and pathological mechanisms of lncRNAs and ubiquitination control mediators of actin cytoskeleton regulators which that are involved in tumorigenesis and tumor progression. Finally, we briefly discuss crosstalk between ubiquitination and lncRNA control mediators of actin-cytoskeleton regulators in cancer.

Overlapping and unique roles played by ROCK1 and 2 in the modulation of coding and long noncoding RNA expression

BackgroundOur previous study described the crucial role of Rho-associated coiled-coil containing-kinases (ROCK) in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the potential significance of long noncoding RNA downstream of ROCK is largely unknown. Here, a comprehensive comparative bioinformatics analysis of a microarray of an MHCC-97H cell line overexpressing ROCK1 or ROCK2 was performed.ResultsNumerous lncRNAs and mRNAs were deregulated by Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases 1 and 2. These results were consistent with the qRT-PCR results. Compared with MHCC-97H-Con, which was transfected with a null vector, the GO analysis revealed differentially expressed mRNAs (DEmRNAs) in MHCC-97H-ROCK1 (ROCK1 was overexpressed) enriched in apoptotic cell clearance, the cyclooxygenase pathway and bone trabecula morphogenesis; the DEmRNAs in MHCC-97H-ROCK2 (ROCK2 was overexpressed) were enriched in VEGF production, chemokine-associated signaling pathways, acute inflammatory response and vasoconstriction. Compared with MHCC-97H-ROCK2, the DEmRNAs in MHCC-97H-ROCK1 were involved in the JAK-STAT cascade, the Akt signaling pathway and the activity of several different peptidases. The pathway analysis of ROCK1 and ROCK2 revealed an overlap in the VEGF signaling pathway, ECM-receptor interaction, and adhesion and differences in the PPAR signaling pathway and mismatch repair. The predicted targets of the differentially expressed lncRNA (DElncRNAs) were enriched in the p53 signaling pathway, Jak-STAT signaling pathway, etc.Several hub DElncRNAs were identified.ConclusionsROCK1 and 2 modulate the expression of numerous mRNAs and lncRNAs and may participate in several signaling pathways in HCC. Several hub molecules were identified in the lncRNA-mRNA networks. Our results provide baseline data for ROCK1 and 2 regulation in HCC that might have implications for further research.

RhoC/ ROCK2 promotes vasculogenic mimicry formation primarily through ERK/MMPs in hepatocellular carcinoma

Introduction: Our previous study reported that rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCKs) were involved in vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study focused on clarifying potential mechanisms of RhoC/ROCK on VM formation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Method: In total, 80 cases of HCC tissues and adjacent non-tumorous liver tissues were used to identify VM in HCC tissues by PAS/CD34 double staining. Kaplan-Meier analysis was conducted to test the predictive relationship between RhoC/ROCK expression and patient prognosis. Furthermore, we stably overexpressed RhoC and inhibited RhoC, ROCK1 or ROCK2 expression to clarify the effect of RhoC/ROCK on VM formation in vitro and in vivo. Result: RhoC expression was up regulated in HCC tissues, especially the VM-positive (VM+) group, compared to non-cancerous tissues (P < 0.01), and patients with high expression of RhoC had shorter survival times (P < 0.001). Cell motility and VM formation significantly decreased after knockdown of RhoC, while overexpressing RhoC led to the opposite result. Compared to ROCK1 shRNA, ROCK2 shRNA could largely affects VM formation, cell motility and the key VM factors and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, p-ERK, p-MEK, p-FAK and p-paxillin levels clearly altered following the change of RhoC, but ROCK2 little affected expression of p-FAK. Conclusion: RhoC/ROCK2 may have a major effect on VM in HCC via ERK/MMPs signaling and might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.

Persistent disruption of lateral junctional complexes and actin cytoskeleton in parotid salivary glands following radiation treatment.

Xerostomia and hyposalivation are debilitating side effects for patients treated with ionizing radiation for head and neck cancer. Despite technological advances, collateral damage to the salivary glands remains a significant problem for patients and severely diminishes their quality of life. During the wound healing process, restoration of junctional contacts is necessary to maintain polarity, structural integrity, and orientation cues for secretion. However, little is known about whether these structural molecules are impacted following radiation damage and more importantly, during tissue restoration. We evaluated changes in adherens junctions and cytoskeletal regulators in an injury model where mice were irradiated with 5 Gy and a restoration model where mice injected postradiation with insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1) are capable of restoring salivary function. Using coimmunoprecipitation, there is a decrease in epithelial (E)-cadherin bound to β-catenin following damage that is restored to untreated levels with IGF1. Via its adaptor proteins, β-catenin links the cadherins to the cytoskeleton and part of this regulation is mediated through Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase (ROCK) signaling. In our radiation model, filamentous (F)-actin organization is fragmented, and there is an induction of ROCK activity. However, a ROCK inhibitor, Y-27632, prevents E-cadherin/β-catenin dissociation following radiation treatment. These findings illustrate that radiation induces a ROCK-dependent disruption of the cadherin-catenin complex and alters F-actin organization at stages of damage when hyposalivation is observed. Understanding the regulation of these components will be critical in the discovery of therapeutics that have the potential to restore function in polarized epithelium.

RhoC/ROCK2 promotes vasculogenic mimicry formation through ERK/MMP and FAK/paxillin signaling pathways in hepatocellular carcinoma

Our previous study reported that rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCKs) were involved in Vasculogenic mimicry (VM) formation in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). This study focused on whether the potential activator ras homolog family member C (RhoC) plays an essential role in VM via two isoforms of ROCK (ROCK1 and ROCK2). VM was presented in tumor tissues rather than non-cancerous tissues, which was positively correlated with clinical stage (P = 0.006). RhoC expression was up regulated in HCC tissues, especially the VM-positive (VM+) group, compared to non-cancerous tissues (P < 0.01), and patients with high expression of RhoC had shorter survival times (P < 0.001). The knockdown of RhoC via the short hairpin RNA (shRNA) in SK-Hep-1 significantly decreased VM formation and cell motility. On contrary, cell motility and VM formation were remarkably enhanced when overexpressed RhoC in HepG2. Compared to ROCK1 shRNA, ROCK2 shRNA could largely affects VM formation, cell motility and the key VM factors and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers in vitro and in vivo. Additionally, RhoC/ROCK2 promoted VM via ERK/MMP and FAK/paxillin signaling pathways. Our results show that RhoC/ROCK2 may have a major effect on VM in HCC and might be a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.

A Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCK) inhibitor, Y-27632, enhances adhesion, viability and differentiation of human term placenta-derived trophoblasts in vitro.

Although human term placenta-derived primary cytotrophoblasts (pCTBs) represent a good human syncytiotrophoblast (STB) model, in vitro culture of pCTBs is not always easily accomplished. Y-27632, a specific inhibitor of Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCK), reportedly prevented apoptosis and improved cell-to-substrate adhesion and culture stability of dissociated cultured human embryonic stem cells and human corneal endothelial cells. The Rho kinase pathway regulates various kinds of cell behavior, some of which are involved in pCTB adhesion and differentiation. In this study, we examined Y-27632’s potential for enhancing pCTB adhesion, viability and differentiation. pCTBs were isolated from term, uncomplicated placentas by trypsin–DNase I–Dispase II treatment and purified by HLA class I-positive cell depletion. Purified pCTBs were cultured on uncoated plates in the presence of epidermal growth factor (10 ng/ml) and various concentrations of Y-27632. pCTB adhesion to the plates was evaluated by phase-contrast imaging, viability was measured by WST-8 assay, and differentiation was evaluated by immunofluorescence staining, expression of fusogenic genes and hCG-β production. Ras-related C3 botulinum toxin substrate 1 (Rac1; one of the effector proteins of the Rho family) and protein kinase A (PKA) involvement was evaluated by using their specific inhibitors, NSC-23766 and H-89. We found that Y-27632 treatment significantly enhanced pCTB adhesion to plates, viability, cell-to-cell fusion and hCG-β production, but showed no effects on pCTB proliferation or apoptosis. Furthermore, NSC-23766 and H-89 each blocked the effects of Y-27632, suggesting that Y-27632 significantly enhanced pCTB differentiation via Rac1 and PKA activation. Our findings suggest that Rac1 and PKA may be interactively involved in CTB differentiation, and addition of Y-27632 to cultures may be an effective method for creating a stable culture model for studying CTB and STB biology in vitro.

Decreased thromboembolic stroke but not atherosclerosis or vascular remodelling in mice with ROCK2-deficient platelets.

Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase (ROCK)-2 is an important mediator of the actin cytoskeleton. Because changes in the actin cytoskeleton are critical for platelet function, we hypothesized that ROCK2 in platelets will play important role in thrombosis and can be potentially a target for therapeutic intervention in thromboembolic stroke. We generated platelet-specific ROCK2-deficient mice (ROCK2Plt-/-) from conditional ROCK2fl°x/fl°x and platelet factor (PF)-4-Cre transgenic mice. Platelets from ROCK2Plt-/- mice were less responsive to thrombin stimulation in terms of pseudopodia formation, collagen adhesion, and in the formation of homotypic and heterotypic aggregates. This corresponded to prolonged bleeding time and delayed vascular occlusion following vessel injury. To determine whether these changes in platelet function could affect thrombotic disease, we utilized a clot-embolic model of ischaemic stroke. When pre-formed clots from ROCK2Plt-/- mice were injected into the middle cerebral artery of control mice, cerebral blood flow recovery occurred more rapidly, leading to decreased cerebral injury and neurological deficits, compared to pre-formed clots from control mice. Interestingly, pre-formed clots from control mice produced similar degree of cerebral injury when injected into control or ROCK2Plt-/- mice, suggesting that platelet ROCK2 deficiency affects clot formation but not propagation. Indeed, in a non-thrombotic intra-filament MCA occlusion model of stroke, platelet ROCK2 deletion was not protective. Furthermore, ROCK2Plt-/- mice exhibit similar atherosclerosis severity and vascular remodeling as control mice. These findings indicate that platelet ROCK2 plays important role in platelet function and thrombosis, but does not contribute to the pathogenesis of atherosclerosis and vascular remodeling.

Cryopreservation of Brain Endothelial Cells Derived from Human Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Is Enhanced by Rho-Associated Coiled Coil-Containing Kinase Inhibition.

The blood-brain barrier (BBB) maintains brain homeostasis but also presents a major obstacle to brain drug delivery. Brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMECs) form the principal barrier and therefore represent the major cellular component of in vitro BBB models. Such models are often used for mechanistic studies of the BBB in health and disease and for drug screening. Recently, human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have emerged as a new source for generating BMEC-like cells for use in in vitro human BBB studies. However, the inability to cryopreserve iPSC-BMECs has impeded implementation of this model by requiring a fresh differentiation to generate cells for each experiment. Cryopreservation of differentiated iPSC-BMECs would have a number of distinct advantages, including enabling production of larger scale lots, decreasing lead time to generate purified iPSC-BMEC cultures, and facilitating use of iPSC-BMECs in large-scale screening. In this study, we demonstrate that iPSC-BMECs can be successfully cryopreserved at multiple differentiation stages. Cryopreserved iPSC-BMECs retain high viability, express standard endothelial and BBB markers, and reach a high transendothelial electrical resistance (TEER) of ∼3000 Ω·cm2, equivalent to nonfrozen controls. Rho-associated coiled coil-containing kinase (ROCK) inhibitor Y-27632 substantially increased survival and attachment of cryopreserved iPSC-BMECs, as well as stabilized TEER above 800 Ω·cm2 out to 7 days post-thaw. Overall, cryopreservation will ease handling and storage of high-quality iPSC-BMECs, reducing a key barrier to greater implementation of these cells in modeling the human BBB.

MDia and ROCK Mediate Actin-Dependent Presynaptic Remodeling Regulating Synaptic Efficacy and Anxiety

Here, we show neuronal inactivation-induced presynaptic remodeling and involvement of the mammalian homolog of Diaphanous (mDia) and Rho-associated coiled-coil-containing kinase (ROCK), Rho-regulated modulators of actin and myosin, in this process. Wefind that social isolation induces inactivation ofnucleus accumbens (NAc) neurons associated with elevated anxiety-like behavior, and that mDia in NAc neurons is essential in this process. Upon inactivation of cultured neurons, mDia induces circumferential actin filaments around the edge of the synaptic cleft, which contract the presynaptic terminals in a ROCK-dependent manner. Social isolation induces similar mDia-dependent presynaptic contraction at GABAergic synapses from NAc neurons in the ventral tegmental area (VTA) associated with reduced synaptic efficacy. Optogenetic stimulation of NAc neurons rescues the anxiety phenotype, and injection of a specific ROCK inhibitor, Y-27632, into the VTA reverses both presynaptic contraction and the behavioral phenotype. mDia-ROCK signaling thus mediates actin-dependent presynaptic remodeling in inactivated NAc neurons, which underlies synaptic plasticity in emotional behavioral responses.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor enhances autophagy by regulating ROCK1 activity and contributes to the escape of dendritic cell surveillance in glioblastoma.

Macrophage migration inhibitory factor(MIF) is highly expressed in glioblastoma, promoting malignant progression and suppresses immune surveillance. However, the mechanism underlying its biological roles in human glioblastoma and the capability of MIF to escape dendritic cell(DC) surveillance remain poorly understood. In the present study, we found that recombinant human MIF(rhMIF) activated the RhoA‑ROCK1 pathway and simultaneously upregulated F‑actin fibre formation. Additionally, we showed that rhMIF increased autophagy in glioblastoma cells, and knockdown of endogenic MIF suppressed autophagy. In glioma specimens, MIF expression was significantly correlated with LC3B levels. Moreover, we confirmed that the activity of Rho‑associated coiled‑coil containing kinase(ROCK)1 played a crucial role in MIF‑induced autophagy. Y26736, a ROCK1 inhibitor, blocked the MIF‑mediated increase in migration and colony formation in glioblastoma multiforme(GBM) cells. Furthermore, exogenous rhMIF suppressed the migration of both immature DCs(iDCs) and mature DCs(mDCs). Addition of rhMIF during the maturation process of iDCs impaired the expression of co‑stimulatory markers. Taken together, our results identified ROCK1 as a critical mediator of MIF‑induced autophagy and the immunosuppressive effect of MIF on DC surveillance in glioblastoma.

Rho Kinases and Cardiac Remodeling.

Hypertensive cardiac remodeling is characterized by left ventricular hypertrophy and interstitial fibrosis, which can lead to heart failure with preserved ejection fraction. The Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCKs) are members of the serine/threonine protein kinase family, which mediates the downstream effects of the small GTP-binding protein RhoA. There are 2 isoforms: ROCK1 and ROCK2. They have different functions in different types of cells and tissues. There is growing evidence that ROCKs contribute to the development of cardiovascular diseases, including cardiac fibrosis, hypertrophy, and subsequent heart failure. Recent experimental studies using ROCK inhibitors, such as fasudil, have shown the benefits of ROCK inhibition in cardiac remodeling. Mice lacking each ROCK isoform also exhibit reduced myocardial fibrosis in a variety of pathological models of cardiac remodeling. Indeed, clinical studies with fasudil have suggested that ROCKs could be potential novel therapeutic targets for cardiovascular diseases. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the roles of ROCKs in the development of cardiac fibrosis and hypertrophy and discuss their therapeutic potential for deleterious cardiac remodeling. (Circ J 2016; 80: 1491-1498).