Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jun 2, 2026

RhoC GTPase Activation Assay
09:58

RhoC GTPase Activation Assay

Published on: August 22, 2010

[Expression of RhoC and ROCK-1 and their effects on MAPK and Akt proteins in prostate carcinoma]

Qiang Bu1, Hua-ming Tang, Jian Tan

  • 1Department of Urology, The First Hospital of Shanxi Medical University, Taiyuan 030001, China.

Zhonghua Zhong Liu Za Zhi [Chinese Journal of Oncology]
|May 18, 2011
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Expression of RhoC and Rho kinase 1 (ROCK-1) is elevated in prostate cancer, correlating with distant metastasis. This suggests RhoC/ROCK-1 plays a role in prostate cancer progression and spread.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Prostate carcinoma is a significant health concern.
  • Understanding the molecular mechanisms driving prostate cancer progression is crucial for developing targeted therapies.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the expression levels of RhoC and Rho kinase 1 (ROCK-1) in prostate carcinoma tissues.
  • To explore the potential role of the RhoC/ROCK-1 pathway in prostate cancer pathogenesis, including its correlation with distant metastasis and signaling pathways like MAPK and Akt.

Main Methods:

  • Quantitative analysis of RhoC and ROCK-1 mRNA and protein expression in prostate cancer and adjacent normal tissues using RT-PCR, Western blot, and immunohistochemistry.
  • Correlation analysis between RhoC/ROCK-1 expression and clinicopathological features, including Gleason grade and distant metastasis.
  • Investigation of the impact of RhoC expression on MAPK and Akt signaling pathways through cell transfection and Western blot analysis.

Main Results:

  • Significantly higher expression of RhoC and ROCK-1 mRNA and protein was observed in prostate carcinomas compared to paracancerous tissues (P < 0.01).
  • RhoC/ROCK-1 expression showed a significant positive correlation with distant metastasis, but not with Gleason grade.
  • Elevated RhoC/ROCK-1 protein levels correlated positively with increased phosphorylation of MAPK (p-MAPK) and Akt (p-Akt), indicating pathway activation.

Conclusions:

  • RhoC and ROCK-1 are overexpressed in prostate carcinoma and are associated with increased distant metastasis.
  • The RhoC/ROCK-1 pathway, potentially through activation of MAPK and Akt signaling, may contribute to the invasion and metastasis of prostate cancer.

More Related Videos

Development and Application of Rapamycin-regulated Tyrosine Phosphatases06:56

Development and Application of Rapamycin-regulated Tyrosine Phosphatases

Published on: September 6, 2024

Related Concept Videos

MAPK Signaling Cascades01:07

MAPK Signaling Cascades

Mitogen-activated protein kinase, or MAPK pathway, activates three sequential kinases to regulate cellular responses such as proliferation, differentiation, survival, and apoptosis. The canonical MAPK pathway starts with a mitogen or growth factor binding to an RTK. The activated RTKs stimulate Ras, which recruits Raf or MAP3 Kinase (MAPKKK), the first kinase of the MAPK signaling cascade. Raf further phosphorylates and activates MEK or MAP2 Kinases (MAPKK), which in turn phosphorylates MAP...
Small GTPases - Ras and Rho01:24

Small GTPases - Ras and Rho

Ras and Rho are small monomeric GTPases that act downstream of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) and regulate various cellular processes. These GTPases switch between active and inactive states by binding to guanine nucleotides.
Three regulatory proteins control their activity:
The Ras Gene02:38

The Ras Gene

The Ras-gene-encoded proteins are regulators of signaling pathways controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, or cell survival. The Ras-gene family in humans constitutes three primary members—the HRas, NRas, and KRas. These genes code for four functionally distinct yet closely related proteins—the HRas, NRas, KRas4A, and KRas4B. The involvement of mutant Ras genes in human cancer was first discovered in 1982 and is among the most common causes of human tumorigenesis.
Ras is a superfamily...
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway01:22

PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway

The mammalian target of rapamycin  (mTOR) is a serine/threonine kinase that regulates growth, proliferation, and cell survival in response to hormones, growth factors, or nutrient availability. This kinase exists in two structurally and functionally distinct forms: mTOR complex 1  (mTORC1) and mTOR complex 2  (mTORC2). The first form (mTORC1) is composed of a rapamycin-sensitive Raptor and proline-rich Akt substrate, PRAS40. In contrast,  mTORC2 consists of a rapamycin-insensitive companion...
Abnormal Proliferation02:23

Abnormal Proliferation

Under normal conditions, most adult cells remain in a non-proliferative state unless stimulated by internal or external factors to replace lost cells. Abnormal cell proliferation is a condition in which the cell's growth exceeds and is uncoordinated with normal cells. In such situations, cell division persists in the same excessive manner even after cessation of the stimuli, leading to persistent tumors. The tumor arises from the damaged cells that replicate to pass the damage to the daughter...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression03:03

mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression

The mammalian target of rapamycin or mTOR protein was discovered in 1994 due to its direct interaction with rapamycin. The protein gets its name from a yeast homolog called TOR. The mTOR protein complex in mammalian cells plays a major role in balancing anabolic processes such as the synthesis of proteins, lipids, and nucleotides and catabolic processes, such as autophagy in response to environmental cues, such as availability of nutrients and growth factors.
The mTOR pathway or the...