RhoA-ROCK2 Signaling Possesses Complex Pathophysiological Functions in Cancer Progression and Shows Promising Therapeutic Potential

Overview

Journal Cancer Cell Int

Publisher Biomed Central

Date 2024 Oct 14

PMID 39402585

Authors

Yidi Ning

Minying Zheng

Yue Zhang

Yuqi Jiao

Jiangping Wang

Shiwu Zhang

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The Rho GTPase signaling pathway is responsible for cell-specific processes, including actin cytoskeleton organization, cell motility, cell division, and the transcription of specific genes. The implications of RhoA and the downstream effector ROCK2 in cancer epithelial-mesenchymal transition, migration, invasion, and therapy resistance associated with stem cells highlight the potential of targeting RhoA/ROCK2 signaling in therapy. Tumor relapse can occur due to cancer cells that do not fully respond to adjuvant chemoradiotherapy, targeted therapy, or immunotherapy. Rho signaling-mediated mitotic defects and cytokinesis failure lead to asymmetric cell division, allowing cells to form polyploids to escape cytotoxicity and promote tumor recurrence and metastasis. In this review, we elucidate the significance of RhoA/ROCK2 in the mechanisms of cancer progression and summarize their inhibitors that may improve treatment strategies.

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PMID: 40006085 PMC: 11859641. DOI: 10.3390/ph18020272.

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