Important role of Rho/ROCK2 pathway in the development of Alzheimer′s disease / 国际药学研究杂志

ABSTRACT

Rho/ROCK pathway is a ubiquitous singling pathway in organisms,and is involved in many biological processes. In the brain of Alzheimer′s patients,the activities of Rho and Rho associated coiled coil forming protein kinase(ROCK)are up-regulat?ed,which is accompanied by the elevation of Aβ42 level,and the abnormal change of the morphology and function of neuronal process?es,suggesting that the occurrence and development of Alzheimer′s disease(AD)is associafed with the overexpression and excessive activation of Rho or ROCK. Rho/ROCK2 pathway is considered a target pathway for the prevention and treatment of AD,and Rho or ROCK2 also becomes an important target for AD drug development. Numerous studies have revealed that suppressing the expression or decreasing the activity of Rho or ROCK2 can reduce Aβ42-induced neurotoxicity,protect neurons,and slow down the occurrence and de?velopment of AD. Therefore,specific inhibition of ROCK2 has an important significance for the repair of central nervous system dam?age and the treatment of AD. This article reviews several effects of Rho/ROCK2 pathway on the development of AD.