Rho-associated protein kinase (ROCK), also known as Rho-kinase, is a serine/threonine protein kinase that acts as a key downstream effector of the small GTPase RhoA. Once activated, ROCK can influence a multitude of cellular functions, such as the formation of actin filaments through the activation of LIM-kinase 2 (LIMK2), leading to increased actin polymerization. Additionally, ROCK is involved in smooth muscle contraction by inactivating myosin light chain phosphatase 1 (MYPT-1) through phosphorylation, thereby enhancing the phosphorylation of myosin light chains. ROCK has been implicated in a wide range of diseases, including pulmonary hypertension, coronary heart disease, respiratory disease, ocular disease, gastrointestinal disorders, and cancer. In the context of cancer, ROCK is believed to promote tumor progression by enhancing cell migration, invasion, and angiogenesis. Furthermore, ROCK signaling is also involved in the regulation of immune responses to viral infections and has been identified as a potential target for the development of novel antiviral therapeutics.
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