RhoA/ROCK Signaling in Vascular Dysfunction: Emerging Insights and Therapeutic Perspectives

The Rho-associated coiled-coil containing protein kinase (ROCK) family is increasingly recognized as a key regulator of vascular biology and a contributor to the pathogenesis of cardiovascular diseases. Within the vascular system, the RhoA/ROCK pathway governs several essential functions, including endothelial homeostasis, vascular smooth muscle cell contraction, and maintenance of vascular tone. Given its central role in these processes, dysregulation of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway has been implicated in the development and progression of various vascular disorders, such as hypertension, atherosclerosis, restenosis, and abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAAs). In this review, we summarize the current understanding of the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway under both physiological and pathological conditions and discuss the therapeutic potential and clinical applications of ROCK inhibitors in the treatment of vascular diseases.