Perspectives on ROCK2 as a Therapeutic Target for Alzheimer’s Disease

• DOI: 10.3389/fncel.2021.636017
• Publication Date: 2021-03-15T06:05:02Z
• Authors: Audrey J. Weber; Jeremy H. Herskowitz
• Keywords: ROCK2; ROCK1; Cyclin-dependent kinase 5

Rho-associated coiled-coil containing kinase isoform 2 (ROCK2) is a member of the AGC family serine/threonine kinases and an extensively studied regulator actin-mediated cytoskeleton contractility. Over past decade, new evidence has emerged that suggests ROCK2 regulates autophagy. Recent studies indicate dysregulation autophagy contributes to development misfolded tau aggregates among entorhinal cortex (EC) excitatory neurons in early Alzheimer’s disease (AD). While accumulation oligomers fibrils toxic neurons, facilitates degradation these pathologic species represents major cellular pathway for disposal neurons. expressed pharmacologic inhibition can induce pathways. In this mini-review, we explore potential mechanisms by which mediates actin dynamics discuss how pathways represent therapeutic avenues disease.