Description
Rho A-dependent kinase (ROCKII), or ROK-alpha, is identified a serine/threonine kinase, a downstream effector of the small GTPase Rho, mediating effects of Rho on the actin cytoskeleton, formation of actin stress fibers and focal adhesions, ROCKII alters cardiac myofilament response to Ca2+ by mechanisms involving phosphorylation of thin filament proteins. ROCK-II induces a depression in maximum ATPase rate and tension, which is associated with phosphorylation of troponin T (TnT), troponin I (TnI), and myosin-binding protein C (C-protein). The phosphorylation of Rho-kinase at Thr 249, Thr 396 plays important role in G-protein signaling