ROCK信号通路在血管平滑肌细胞增殖和迁移作用中的研究进展

血管重构是多种心血管疾病共同的病理学特征。血管平滑肌细胞增殖和迁移在血管重构的形成中起着关键性的作用。ROCK是RhoA下游的效应分子之一,在调控血管平滑肌细胞收缩、增殖、迁移、基因表达等多项细胞功能中被证实具有重要的细胞内信号转导作用。RhoA/ROCK信号途径可能是防止血管重构的新靶点。     

RhoA/ROCK信号通路在糖尿病结肠动力障碍中的作用

糖尿病(DM)胃肠动力障碍是DM重要的并发症,其病因尚未明确。越来越多的研究显示,胃肠平滑肌自身病变对该病的发生有重要作用。RhoA/ROCK信号通路参与调控平滑肌收缩,近年来研究表明,RhoA/ROCK信号通路与DM的多种并发症相关,此文就RhoA/ROCK信号通路在DM患者结肠平滑肌病变中的可能作用作一综述。     

RhoA/ROCK通路参与血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的血管外膜成纤维细胞表型转化

目的 血管外膜成纤维细胞(AF)的表型转化在血管重塑过程中起了重要作用.通过观察血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)对血管AF中RhoA/ROCK通路活性的影响,探讨该通路在AF/肌成纤维细胞(MF)表型转化中的作用.方法 AngⅡ刺激体外培养的SD大鼠血管AF,测定刺激后10、30 min RhoA的活性变化,并分别测定2、6、12、24 h ROCK底物肌球蛋白磷酸酶目标亚单位1(MYPT1)的磷酸化水平,Western blot检测AF/MF表型转化标记蛋白α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SM-actin)的表达,并观察腺病毒dominant negative N19RhoA(dnN19RhoA,MOI=200)和ROCK抑制剂Y27632(10μmol/L)对α-SM-actin表达的影响.结果 AngⅡ刺激使AF RhoA活性的明显增强及ROCK底物MYPT1的磷酸化水平明显增加.刺激30 min RhoA活性约为未刺激的3倍,刺激12 h MYPT1的磷酸化约为未刺激的3.5倍.dnN19RhoA和Y27632均可明显抑制AngⅡ诱导的血管Afα-SM-actin表达,抑制α-SM-actin表达程度均约为75％.结论 AngⅡ可激活血管AF中的RhoA/ROCK通路,该通路参与了AngⅡ诱导的血管AF/MF表型转化.     

活性氧与 RhoA/ROCK 信号通路对血管平滑肌细胞钙浓度及钙敏感性的影响

活性氧(ROS)是体内一类重要的第二信使,能在缺血缺氧的诱导下大量产生。缺氧信号能通过 ROS 调节血管平滑肌细胞内的钙浓度,从而引起其收缩反应;缺氧还有可能通过 ROS 激活 RhoA/ROCK 信号通路,对钙敏感性进行调节。对 ROS 以及 RhoA/ROCK 信号通路进行深入的研究,可以阐明缺氧性肺血管收缩以及肺动脉高压的发病机制,为缺氧性肺动脉高压的治疗提供新的思路。     

RhoA/ROCK信号通路在糖尿病结肠肌层中的表达

背景:糖尿病(DM)胃肠动力障碍的机制目前尚不明确,越来越多的研究认为胃肠平滑肌肌源性因素在该病的发生中起重要作用。近年RhoA/ROCK信号通路在DM并发症中的作用成为研究热点。目的:分析DM患者结肠肌层中RhoA/ROCK信号通路主要信号分子的表达变化,探讨该信号通路在DM结肠动力障碍中的可能作用。方法:收集2012年9月-2013年12月南京医科大学第一附属医院行结肠癌根治术患者的正常结肠组织,根据糖化血红蛋白水平,将患者分为DM组和对照组。采用免疫组化或蛋白质印迹法检测结肠肌层中RhoA/ROCK信号通路主要信号分子RhoA、ROCK1、MYPT1和p-MYPT1的表达情况。结果:免疫组化结果显示DM组结肠肌层中RhoA表达明显低于对照组,差异有统计学意义(P0.05);蛋白质印迹法结果显示,与对照组相比,DM组RhoA、ROCK1和p-MYPT1蛋白表达均明显减少(0.62±0.42对1.15±0.69,0.54±0.09对0.75±0.05,0.70±0.28对1.04±0.47;P0.05),而MYPT1蛋白表达差异无统计学意义(0.94±0.50对1.21±0.80,P0.05)。结论:DM患者结肠肌层中RhoA/ROCK信号通路活性被抑制,可能与DM结肠动力障碍有一定相关性。     

Rho激酶在心血管疾病中新进展及Rho激酶抑制剂的应用

Rho激酶(ROCK)被认为是治疗心血管疾病的新靶点。本文主要简述RhoA/ROCK通路在调节脉管系统的功能,并探讨其在心血管疾病发病中的作用机制。     

RhoA/ROCK通路参与血管紧张素Ⅱ诱导的血管外膜成纤维细胞表型转化

目的血管外膜成纤维细胞(AF)的表型转化在血管重塑过程中起了重要作用。通过观察血管紧张素Ⅱ(AngⅡ)对血管AF中RhoA/ROCK通路活性的影响,探讨该通路在AF/肌成纤维细胞(MF)表型转化中的作用。方法AngⅡ刺激体外培养的SD大鼠血管AF,测定刺激后10、30min RhoA的活性变化,并分别测定2、6、12、24hROCK底物肌球蛋白磷酸酶目标亚单位1(MYPT1)的磷酸化水平,Western blot检测AF/MF表型转化标记蛋白α平滑肌肌动蛋白(α-SM-actin)的表达,并观察腺病毒dominant negative N19RhoA(dnN19RhoA,MOI=200)和ROCK抑制剂Y27632(10μmol/L)对α-SM-actin表达的影响。结果AngⅡ刺激使AFRhoA活性的明显增强及ROCK底物MYPT1的磷酸化水平明显增加。刺激30min RhoA活性约为未刺激的3倍,刺激12hMYPT1的磷酸化约为未刺激的3.5倍。dnN19RhoA和Y27632均可明显抑制AngⅡ诱导的血管AFα-SM-actin表达,抑制α-SM-actin表达程度均约为75%。结论AngⅡ可激活血管AF中的RhoA/ROCK通路,该通路参与了AngⅡ诱导的血管AF/MF表型转化。     

Rho相关蛋白激酶与动脉粥样硬化关系的研究进展

<正>动脉粥样硬化(AS)是一种累及全身大血管壁的慢性炎性反应和脂质沉积过程,一些危险因素(如高血糖、血脂异常以及高血压等)可以激活多种信号通路参与AS的发展,Rho A/Rho相关蛋白激酶(ROCK)通路就是其中之一。越来越多的证据表明,RhoA/ROCK通路参与AS过程的许多步骤,ROCK可能成为AS的潜在治疗靶点,了解Rho/ROCK通路在AS进展过程中的作用对AS的防治有重要意义^[1]。     

RhoA/ROCK信号通路在糖尿病心肌病发病机制中的研究进展

糖尿病心肌病(diabetic cardiomyopathy,DCM)是糖尿病常见并发症之一,其发病机制仍未完全阐明。RhoA/ROCK信号通路介导胰岛素抵抗、氧化应激、炎症、细胞凋亡、心肌纤维化、心脏舒缩功能等途径参与DCM发病,且ROCK抑制剂——法舒地尔在DCM中显示了一定治疗作用。本文就RhoA/ROCK信号通路在DCM发病机制中的研究进展作一综述。     

高盐摄入增强大鼠动脉RhoA/ROCK通路的活性和降低细胞内钙水平

正本文研究过度摄入盐对血管中RhoA(Ras homolog gene family,member A)/Rho相关激酶(RhoA/Rho-associated kinase,ROCK)通路功能和钙调节的影响。方法:分离2%,4%或8%NaCl食物喂养的大鼠的主动脉和肠系膜小动脉,在器官浴槽中评估动脉RhoA/ROCK通路活性和细胞内钙动员情况。在4%NaCl组同时评估RhoA/ROCK通路指标水平和细胞内钙水平。结果:普通食物喂养的大鼠动脉,使用ROCK抑制剂Y-27632可降低对苯肾上腺素的反应,     

Rho kinases in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology

Rho kinases (ROCKs) are the first and the best-characterized effectors of the small G-protein RhoA. In addition to their effect on actin organization, or through this effect, ROCKs have been found to regulate a wide range of fundamental cell functions such as contraction, motility, proliferation, and apoptosis. Abnormal activation of the RhoA/ROCK pathway has been observed in major cardiovascular disorders such as atherosclerosis, restenosis, hypertension, pulmonary hypertension, and cardiac hypertrophy. This review, based on recent molecular, cellular, and animal studies, focuses on the current understanding of ROCK signaling and its roles in cardiovascular physiology and pathophysiology.     

Rho kinase as a therapeutic target in cardiovascular disease

Rho kinase (ROCK) belongs to the AGC (PKA/PKG/PKC) family of serine/threonine kinases and is a major downstream effector of the small GTPase RhoA. ROCK plays central roles in the organization of the actin cytoskeleton and is involved in a wide range of fundamental cellular functions such as contraction, adhesion, migration, proliferation and gene expression. Two ROCK isoforms, ROCK1 and ROCK2, are assumed to be functionally redundant, based largely on the major common activators, the high degree of homology within the kinase domain and studies from overexpression with kinase constructs and chemical inhibitors (e.g., Y27632 and fasudil), which inhibit both ROCK1 and ROCK2. Extensive experimental and clinical studies support a critical role for the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the vascular bed in the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases, in which increased ROCK activity mediates vascular smooth muscle cell hypercontraction, endothelial dysfunction, inflammatory cell recruitment and vascular remodeling. Recent experimental studies, using ROCK inhibitors or genetic mouse models, indicate that the RhoA/ROCK pathway in myocardium contributes to cardiac remodeling induced by ischemic injury or persistent hypertrophic stress, thereby leading to cardiac decompensation and heart failure. This article, based on recent molecular, cellular and animal studies, focuses on the current understanding of ROCK signaling in cardiovascular diseases and in the pathogenesis of heart failure.     

Striking crosstalk of ROCK signaling with endothelial function

Rho-associated coiled-coil forming protein kinases (ROCKs), the downstream target proteins of RhoA, are ubiquitously expressed serine-threonine protein kinases. ROCKs have diverse cellular functions, e.g. smooth muscle contraction, actin cytoskeleton organization, cell adhesion, and gene expression. Accumulating evidence has revealed that ROCKs are substantially involved in cardiovascular disorders such as angina, cerebral ischemia, myocardial ischemia, and cardiac hypertrophy. So far, the significant relationship of ROCKs with endothelial function has been reported. ROCKs inhibition by statins or other selective inhibitors leads to the upregulation and activation of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, resulting in the reduction of vascular inflammation and atherosclerosis. Meanwhile, it has been also demonstrated that endogenous nitric oxide could inhibit RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway. Taken together, there might be critical crosstalk of ROCKs with endothelial function. In addition, we further focus on leukocyte ROCK activity as a surrogate marker in patients with atherosclerosis-related diseases. Indeed, leukocyte ROCK activity has been shown to be increased in atherosclerotic patients, indicating the possible usage of leukocyte ROCK activity as a surrogate marker similar to endothelial function evaluated by flow-mediated dilation. Here, we review concerning ROCK signaling pathway, especially focusing on the crosstalk of ROCKs with endothelial function.     

非对称性二甲基精氨酸通过Rho／ROCK信号通路介导大鼠血管平滑肌细胞迁移

目的探讨非对称性二甲基精氨酸（Asymmetric Dimethylarginine,ADMA）对血管平滑肌细胞（vascular smooth muscle cells,VSMCs）迁移和形态变化的影响,并探索Rho／ROCK和MAPK信号转导通路在其中的作用。方法原代培养大鼠VSMCs,并通过转染二甲基精氨酸二甲胺水解酶hDDAH2过表达载体,L-精氨酸（1mM）或ROCK抑制剂Y27632等预处理,观察细胞RhoA蛋白与底物rhotekin蛋白结合程度,ROCK底物MYPT-1磷酸化程度、VSMC迁移能力和细胞骨架及黏着斑定位情况。结果（1）ADMA诱导平滑肌细胞Rho/OCK信号转导通路;（2）Rho/OCK和ERK信号通路交联介导ADMA对平滑肌细胞迁移能力的诱导作用;（3）ADMA通过Rho/OCK诱导平滑肌细胞骨架无序排列、黏着斑定位改变;（4）L-精氨酸对上述变化有逆转作用。结论ADMA通过Rho/OCK和ERKl／2信号交联诱导VSMC迁移和表型转化,而L-精氨酸逆转ADMA引起的改变。     

H2S-mediated inhibition of RhoA/ROCK pathway and noncoding RNAs in ischemic stroke

Ischemic stroke is one of major causes of disability. In the pathological process of ischemic stroke, the up-regulation of Ras homolog gene family, member A (RhoA) and its downstream effector, Ras homolog gene family (Rho)-associated coiled coil-containing kinase (ROCK), contribute to the neuroinflammation, blood-brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction, neuronal apoptosis, axon growth inhibition and astrogliosis. Accumulating evidences have revealed that hydrogen sulphide (H₂S) could reduce brain injury in animal model of ischemic stroke via inhibiting the RhoA/ROCK pathway. Recently, noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) such as circular RNAs (circRNAs), long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) have attracted much attention because of their essential role in adjusting gene expression both in physiological and pathological conditions. Numerous studies have uncovered the role of RhoA/ROCK pathway and ncRNAs in ischemic stroke. In this review, we focused on the role of H₂S, RhoA/ROCK pathway and ncRNAs in ischemic stroke and aimed to reveal new strategies for preventing and treating this devastating disease.

     

Melatonin attenuates choroidal neovascularization by regulating macrophage/microglia polarization via inhibition of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway

Choroidal neovascularization (CNV) is an important characteristic of advanced wet age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and leads to severe visual impairment among elderly patients. Previous studies have demonstrated that melatonin induces several biological effects related to antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and anti-angiogenesis. However, the role of melatonin in CNV, and its underlying mechanisms, has not been investigated thus far. In this study, we found that melatonin administration significantly reduced the scale and volume of CNV lesions, suppressed vascular leakage, and inhibited the capacity of vascular proliferation in the laser-induced mouse CNV model. Additionally, the results also show that the melatonin-treated retinal microglia in the laser-induced mice exhibited enhanced expression of M1-type markers, such as iNOS, CCL-3, CCL-5, and TNF-α, as well as decreased production of M2-type markers, such as Arg-1, Fizz-1, IL-10, YM-1, and CD206, indicating that melatonin switched the macrophage/microglia polarization from pro-angiogenic M2 phenotype to anti-angiogenic M1 phenotype. Furthermore, the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway was activated during CNV formation, yet was suppressed after an intraperitoneal injection of melatonin. In conclusion, melatonin attenuated CNV, reduced vascular leakage, and inhibited vascular proliferation by switching the macrophage/microglia polarization from M2 phenotype to M1 phenotype via inhibition of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in CNV. This suggests that melatonin could be a novel agent for the treatment of AMD.     

鞘磷脂类信号通路与动脉粥样硬化的研究进展

动脉粥样硬化是临床常见的冠心病和脑梗死等缺血性心脑血管疾病的主要病理基础,其病因复杂,发病机制尚未完全阐明。近年来,越来越多的研究显示鞘磷脂类信号通路可通过调节脂代谢、炎症和血管内皮功能等影响动脉粥样硬化的发生发展。文章综述了鞘磷脂类信号通路关键分子鞘磷脂、神经酰胺和1-磷酸鞘氨醇与动脉粥样硬化的关系,旨在为防治疾病提供新思路。     

Up-regulation of CPI-17 phosphorylation in diabetic vasculature and high glucose cultured vascular smooth muscle cells

OBJECTIVE: Contractile responses are significantly increased in vascular smooth muscle tissues isolated from type 2 diabetic db/db mice (hyperreactivity). However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this hyperreactivity are largely unknown. The current study investigates the roles of RhoA, ROCK (rho kinase), PKC (protein kinase C), and CPI-17 (protein kinase C-potentiated phosphatase inhibitor of 17 kDa), molecules shown to play pivotal physiological roles regulating smooth muscle contraction, in diabetes-associated vascular smooth muscle hyperreactivity. METHODS: Experiments utilized db/db mouse mesenteric arteries and aortas and primary rat aortic smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) cultured in high or normal glucose. RhoA, ROCK, and CPI-17 protein expression and activity were determined by immunoblotting for total or phosphorylated proteins. RhoA activity was determined by subcellular fractionation and pull-down assays. Isometric contractions were determined using isolated mesenteric artery strips. RESULTS: Active phosphorylated CPI-17 and total and active membrane-bound RhoA were significantly increased in db/db mouse mesenteric arteries and aortas. High glucose time-dependently activated RhoA, ROCK, and CPI-17 in VSMCs. Moreover, inhibiting either RhoA with C3 exoenzyme or ROCK with Y-27632 or H-1152 for 30 min diminished high glucose-induced CPI-17 phosphorylation. Inhibiting protein kinase C (PKC) with GF109203X for 30 min did not inhibit high glucose-induced CPI-17 phosphorylation. Interestingly, when added at the same time as high glucose for a total of 48 h, GF109203X diminished high glucose-induced RhoA and ROCK activation as well as CPI-17 phosphorylation, suggesting PKC is required for high glucose-induced RhoA/ROCK activation and consequently CPI-17 phosphorylation. Importantly, in isolated db/db mouse mesenteric arteries, inhibiting ROCK with Y-27632 or H-1152 significantly alleviated the contractile hyperreactivity in response to phenylephrine or high potassium. CONCLUSIONS: Diabetes and high glucose activate RhoA, ROCK, and CPI-17, which in turn contribute to diabetic vascular smooth muscle hyperreactivity.     

The role of the RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling pathway in renal vascular reactivity in endothelial nitric oxide synthase null mice

BACKGROUND: Smooth muscle contraction is regulated by the small GTPase RhoA and its target, Rho-kinase and recent evidence indicates that nitric oxide (NO) causes vasodilation through inhibition of the RhoA/Rho-kinase (ROCK) signaling pathway. AIM: This study tested the hypothesis that the enhanced renal vascular tone and systemic hypertension in endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) null mice is due to disinhibition of the ROCK signaling pathway. METHODS: Systolic blood pressure (SBP) was measured by tail-cuff plethysmography and the isolated Krebs-perfused kidney preparation was used to evaluate renal vascular responses in C57BL/6 (wild type, WT) and eNOS knockout (KO) mice treated with Y-27632, a ROCK inhibitor. RESULTS: Compared with the WT mice, Rho kinase activity was higher in eNOS KO mice (37 +/- 8%, P < 0.05) as was SBP (33 +/- 4%, P < 0.05), basal renal perfusion pressure (31 +/- 4%, P < 0.05) and renal vascular resistance (35 +/- 4%, P < 0.05). Y-27632 abolished these differences. Vasoconstriction elicited by angiotensin II (Ang II) or phenylephrine (PE), G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists, but not that elicited by arachidonic acid or KCl, was greater in eNOS KO mice. Y-27632 eliminated the amplified vasoconstriction elicited by Ang II or phenylephrine but to a greater extent in eNOS KO mice. Similarly, responses elicited by guanosine 5'-gamma-thiotriphosphate (GTPgammaS), a non-hydrolyzable GTP analog, or sodium tetrafluoride (NaF4), an activator of G-proteins, was greater in eNOS KO mice, 53 +/- 14 and 50 +/- 3%, respectively. Y-27632 normalized the difference. Y-27632 also elicited a dose-dependent renal vasodilation that was greater in eNOS KO mice. CONCLUSIONS: These results show that the ROCK signaling pathway is amplified in the eNOS KO mouse kidney and that the enhanced renal vascular tone and selective increase in reactivity to GPCR agonists supports a role for ROCK in the hypertension and vascular dysfunction in the eNOS KO mice.