Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 11, 2026

Affinity Precipitation of Active Rho-GEFs Using a GST-tagged Mutant Rho Protein (GST-RhoA(G17A)) from Epithelial Cell Lysates
Published on: March 31, 2012
ROCK and Rho: biochemistry and neuronal functions of Rho-associated protein kinases
André Schmandke1, Antonio Schmandke, Stephen M Strittmatter
1Program in Cellular Neuroscience, Neurodegeneration and Repair, Department of Neurology Yale University School of Medicine, New Haven, CT 06510, USA.
Abstract:
Rho-associated protein kinases (ROCKs) play key roles in mediating the control of the actin cytoskeleton by Rho family GTPases in response to extracellular signals. Such signaling pathways contribute to diverse neuronal functions from cell migration to axonal guidance to dendritic spine morphology to axonal regeneration to cell survival. In this review, the authors summarize biochemical knowledge of ROCK function and categorize neuronal ROCK-dependent signaling pathways. Further study of ROCK signal transduction mechanisms and specificities will enhance our understanding of brain development, plasticity, and repair. The ROCK pathway also provides a potential site for therapeutic intervention to promote neuronal regeneration and to limit degeneration.
More Related Videos
Related Concept Videos
Small GTPases - Ras and Rho
Three regulatory proteins control their activity:
Cell Polarization by Rho Proteins
The Ras Gene
Ras is a superfamily...
Enzyme-linked Receptors
Neurotrophin (NT) receptors are a family of RTKs, including trkA, trkB, and trkC (tropomyosin-related kinase) receptors. TrkA is specific for nerve growth factor (NGF), neurotrophin-6, and neurotrophin-7. TrkB binds...
Rab Proteins
Rab proteins switch between a cytosolic, GDP-bound inactive state and a membrane-anchored, GTP-bound active state. By themselves, Rabs show slow rates of GDP/GTP exchange and GTP hydrolysis. Thus, Rab proteins are considered...
The Ras Gene
Ras is a superfamily...
