Rho Kinase (ROCK I and II)

Both known isoforms of Rho Kinase (ROCK), ROCK1 and ROCK2, are expressed in a wide range of mammalian tissues.  Each isoform has  distinct roles in mammalian biology.  Overactivity of Rho Kinase is observed in fibrosis, inflammation, atherosclerosis, hypertension, cerebral ischemia, coronary vasospasm, vascular inflammation, oncogenesis and metastatic spread.

ROCK2 regulates actin cytoskeleton, cell shape, adhesion, and motility, both directly and through regulation of other kinases (MLC, FAK, LIMK, etc.). Through this mechanism, ROCK2 controls cellular morphology and movement and is an essential component in physiological and pathological processes where cell recruitment and structure contribute to those processes.

ROCK1 is known to be expressed at high levels in cardiovascular tissue and has a significant role in contractility leading to more acute effects on vascular tone and hemodynamic function.  

Surface Logix has targeted ROCK-2 selective compounds to avoid potential cardiovascular side-effects associated with non-selective ROCK inhibitors (Y-27632 and fasudil). back