New insights into RhoA/Rho-kinase signaling: a key regulator of vascular contraction

Abstract

While Rho-signalling controlling vascular contraction is a canonical mechanism, with the modern approaches used in research, we are advancing our understanding and details into this pathway are often uncovered. RhoA-mediated Rho-kinase is the major regulator of vascular smooth muscle cells and a key player manoeuvring other functions in these cells. The discovery of new interactions, such as oxidative stress and hydrogen sulphide with Rho signalling are emerging addition not only in the physiology of the smooth muscle, but especially in the pathophysiology of vascular diseases. Likewise, the interplay between ageing and Rho-kinase in the vasculature has been recently considered. Importantly, in smooth muscle contraction, this pathway may also be affected by sex hormones, and consequently, sex-differences. This review provides an overview of Rho signalling mediating vascular contraction and focuses on recent topics discussed in the literature affecting this pathway such as ageing, sex differences and oxidative stress.