Cells (Jun 2019)

RhoGTPase in Vascular Disease

  • Derek Strassheim,
  • Evgenia Gerasimovskaya,
  • David Irwin,
  • Edward C. Dempsey,
  • Kurt Stenmark,
  • Vijaya Karoor

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3390/cells8060551
Journal volume & issue
Vol. 8, no. 6
p. 551

Abstract

Read online

Ras-homologous (Rho)A/Rho-kinase pathway plays an essential role in many cellular functions, including contraction, motility, proliferation, and apoptosis, inflammation, and its excessive activity induces oxidative stress and promotes the development of cardiovascular diseases. Given its role in many physiological and pathological functions, targeting can result in adverse effects and limit its use for therapy. In this review, we have summarized the role of RhoGTPases with an emphasis on RhoA in vascular disease and its impact on endothelial, smooth muscle, and heart and lung fibroblasts. It is clear from the various studies that understanding the regulation of RhoGTPases and their regulators in physiology and pathological conditions is required for effective targeting of Rho.

Keywords