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Rho/Rho-associated kinase pathway in glaucoma (Review)
Jing Wang1, Xiaohong Liu, Yisheng Zhong
1Department of Ophthalmology, Ruijin Hospital Affiliated Medical School, Shanghai Jiaotong University, Shanghai 200025, P.R. China.
International Journal of Oncology
|September 18, 2013
Summary
Inhibiting the Rho/ROCK pathway can lower intraocular pressure by relaxing the trabecular meshwork and reduce scarring. This pathway also offers neuroprotection for the optic nerve, making it a promising target for glaucoma treatment.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Cell Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The Rho/ROCK pathway regulates cellular functions crucial for eye health, including cytoskeletal integrity and extracellular matrix synthesis.
- This pathway influences the permeability of Schlemm's canal endothelial cells and trabecular meshwork (TM) contraction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the therapeutic potential of targeting the Rho/ROCK pathway for anti-glaucoma treatments.
- To evaluate the effects of Rho/ROCK inhibition on intraocular pressure (IOP), ocular blood flow, and optic nerve protection.
Main Methods:
- The study reviews the known roles of the Rho/ROCK pathway in ocular tissues and its modulation by inhibitors.
- Analysis of the pathway's impact on TM contraction, aqueous humor outflow, and fibroblast transdifferentiation.
Main Results:
- Inhibiting the Rho/ROCK pathway leads to TM relaxation, increasing outflow facility and reducing IOP.
- ROCK inhibitors demonstrate anti-scarring effects by preventing tenon fibroblast transdifferentiation into myofibroblasts.
- Rho/ROCK pathway inactivation promotes optic nerve neuroprotection, enhances ocular blood flow, and supports retinal ganglion cell (RGC) survival and axon regeneration.
Conclusions:
- The Rho/ROCK pathway is a significant target for novel anti-glaucoma therapies due to its multifaceted roles in IOP modulation, anti-scarring, and neuroprotection.
- Targeting this pathway holds promise for future human therapeutic applications in managing glaucoma.
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