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ROCK as a therapeutic target for ischemic stroke
Nikola Sladojevic1, Brian Yu1, James K Liao1
1a Department of Medicine, Section of Cardiology , University of Chicago , Chicago , IL , USA.
Expert Review of Neurotherapeutics
|October 24, 2017
Summary
Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase (ROCK) inhibition shows promise for acute stroke treatment. Targeting ROCK pathways may improve outcomes for ischemic stroke patients, offering new therapeutic avenues.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Cardiovascular Research
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Stroke is a leading cause of death and disability.
- Current treatments like tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) have limited effectiveness due to strict administration timing.
- There is a critical need for novel acute stroke therapies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase (ROCK) in stroke pathophysiology.
- To evaluate ROCK as a potential therapeutic target for acute ischemic stroke.
Main Methods:
- Literature review summarizing existing research on ROCK signaling in various cell types relevant to stroke.
- Analysis of the impact of ROCK inhibition on stroke outcome.
Main Results:
- ROCK regulates key cellular processes (contractility, motility, proliferation) in endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, neurons, and other cells involved in stroke.
- Inhibition of ROCK-mediated processes shows potential to improve stroke outcomes.
Conclusions:
- ROCK is a promising therapeutic target for cardiovascular diseases, including acute stroke.
- ROCK inhibitors are approved for stroke treatment in Japan and China.
- Further research is needed to explore ROCK isoforms and selective inhibitors for cerebral ischemia.
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