Overview:

ROCK1 is a ubiquitously expressed serine/threonine kinase that is a downstream target of the small GTPase RhoA. ROCK1 is involved in diverse cellular functions, including smooth muscle contraction, actin cytoskeleton organization, cell adhesion and motility, and gene expression (1). ROCK1 contributes to the development of cardiac fibrosis and induction of fibrogenic cytokines in cardiomyocytes in response to pathological stimuli. ROCK1 knockout mice exhibit reduced perivascular and interstitial fibrosis which is associated with reduced expression of a variety of extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins and fibrogenic cytokines (2).

References:

1. Zhao, Y M. et al: Rho-associated kinases play a role in endocardial cell differentiation and migration. Dev Biol. 2004 Nov 1;275(1):183-91.

2. Zhang, C. et al: Targeted deletion of ROCK1 protects the heart against pressure overload by inhibiting reactive fibrosis. FASEB J. 2006 May; 20(7):916-25.