Recent advances in the development of Rho kinase inhibitors (2015-2021)

Xiangrong Xu; Lei Yao

doi:10.1002/med.21980

Recent advances in the development of Rho kinase inhibitors (2015-2021)

Med Res Rev. 2024 Jan;44(1):406-421. doi: 10.1002/med.21980. Epub 2023 Jun 2.

Authors

Xiangrong Xu¹, Lei Yao²

Affiliations

¹ Yantai University Hospital, Yantai University, Yantai, China.
² School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Molecular Pharmacology and Drug Evaluation (Yantai University), Ministry of Education, Collaborative Innovation Center of Advanced Drug Delivery System and Biotech Drugs in Universities of Shandong, Yantai University, Yantai, China.

PMID: 37265266
DOI: 10.1002/med.21980

Abstract

Rho-associated coiled-coil kinases (ROCKs) are key downstream effectors of small GTPases. ROCK plays a central role in diverse cellular events with accumulating evidence supporting the concept that ROCK is important in tumor development and progression. Numerous ROCK inhibitors have been investigated for their therapeutic potential in the treatment of cancers. In this article, we review recent research progress on ROCK inhibitors, especially those with potential for the treatment of cancers, reported in the literature from 2015 to 2021. Most ROCK inhibitors show potent in vitro and in vivo antitumor activities and have potential in the treatment of cancers.

Keywords: ROCK; Rho kinase; cancer; inhibitors; patent; progress.

Publication types

Review

MeSH terms

Humans
Neoplasms* / drug therapy
rho-Associated Kinases*

Substances

rho-Associated Kinases