RhoGTPase in Vascular Disease

Cells. 2019 Jun 6;8(6):551. doi: 10.3390/cells8060551.

Abstract

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: RhoGTPases; endothelial; fibroblasts; smooth muscle; therapeutics; vascular.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Clinical Trials as Topic
  • Fibroblasts / cytology
  • Fibroblasts / metabolism
  • GTPase-Activating Proteins / metabolism
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors / metabolism
  • Humans
  • Myocytes, Smooth Muscle / metabolism
  • Reactive Oxygen Species / metabolism
  • Vascular Diseases / metabolism
  • Vascular Diseases / pathology*
  • Vascular Diseases / therapy
  • rho-Associated Kinases / metabolism*
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism*

Substances

  • GTPase-Activating Proteins
  • Guanine Nucleotide Exchange Factors
  • Reactive Oxygen Species
  • rho-Associated Kinases
  • rhoA GTP-Binding Protein