ROCK1

ROCK1, or Rho-associated coiled-coil kinase 1, is a serine/threonine protein kinase encoded by the ROCK1 gene and a key component of the Rho/ROCK signaling pathway. It phosphorylates substrate proteins like myosin light chain and LIM kinase, regulating cell morphology, movement, contraction, and proliferation. ROCK1 is crucial for cytoskeletal reorganization, cell migration, vascular endothelial permeability, and tissue contraction and growth. Its dysfunction is implicated in diabetic nephropathy, eye disease, tumors, heart disease, nerve injury, hypertension, and other conditions, making it a potential drug target.