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Rho/ROCK Signaling Pathway in Kidney Diseases: Mechanisms and Therapeutic Perspectives.
Wei Xiong1, Daojia Miao2, Zongchen Hou2
1Department of Nephrology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan 430022, China.
Biomedicines
|March 28, 2026
Summary
The Rho/ROCK signaling pathway regulates cell behavior and is implicated in kidney diseases. Targeting this pathway offers potential therapeutic strategies for kidney disease treatment.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Nephrology
Background:
- Rho GTPases are GTP-binding proteins crucial for cellular functions.
- Rho-associated coiled coil forming protein kinase (ROCK) is a key downstream effector of Rho GTPases.
- The Rho/ROCK pathway regulates cytoskeleton dynamics, influencing cell adhesion, migration, and transformation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review research on the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway in four major kidney diseases.
- To elucidate the regulatory mechanisms of Rho/ROCK in kidney disease pathogenesis.
- To discuss the therapeutic potential of targeting the Rho/ROCK pathway for kidney disease treatment.
Main Methods:
- Literature review focusing on Rho/ROCK signaling in kidney diseases.
- Analysis of research progress and regulatory mechanisms.
- Discussion of therapeutic strategies targeting the Rho/ROCK pathway.
Main Results:
- Abnormal Rho/ROCK activation is linked to acute kidney injury, diabetic nephropathy, hypertension-related nephropathy, and chronic allograft nephropathy.
- This pathway contributes to podocyte injury, renal tubular epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), mesangial cell proliferation, and inflammation.
- Understanding Rho/ROCK mechanisms provides insights into kidney disease progression.
Conclusions:
- The Rho/ROCK signaling pathway plays a significant role in the pathogenesis of major kidney diseases.
- Targeting the Rho/ROCK pathway presents a promising therapeutic avenue for kidney disease treatment.
- Further research into Rho/ROCK regulation can lead to novel therapeutic strategies.
Keywords:
G proteinRhoRho associated coiled coil forming protein kinase (ROCK)kidney diseasessignaling pathwayMore Related Videos
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