Anti-ROCK1

This gene encodes a protein serine/threonine kinase that is activated when bound to the GTP-bound form of Rho. The small GTPase Rho regulates formation of focal adhesions and stress fibers of fibroblasts, as well as adhesion and aggregation of platelets and lymphocytes by shuttling between the inactive GDP-bound form and the active GTP-bound form. Rho is also essential in cytokinesis and plays a role in transcriptional activation by serum response factor. This protein, a downstream effector of Rho, phosphorylates and activates LIM kinase, which in turn, phosphorylates cofilin, inhibiting its actin-depolymerizing activity. A pseudogene, related to this gene, is also located on chromosome 18. Protein function: Protein kinase which is a key regulator of actin cytoskeleton and cell polarity. Involved in regulation of smooth muscle contraction, actin cytoskeleton organization, stress fiber and focal adhesion formation, neurite retraction, cell adhesion and motility via phosphorylation of DAPK3, GFAP, LIMK1, LIMK2, MYL9/MLC2, PFN1 and PPP1R12A. Phosphorylates FHOD1 and acts synergistically with it to promote SRC-dependent non-apoptotic plasma membrane blebbing. Phosphorylates JIP3 and regulates the recruitment of JNK to JIP3 upon UVB-induced stress. Acts as a suppressor of inflammatory cell migration by regulating PTEN phosphorylation and stability. Acts as a negative regulator of VEGF-induced angiogenic endothelial cell activation. Required for centrosome positioning and centrosome-dependent exit from mitosis. Plays a role in terminal erythroid differentiation. May regulate closure of the eyelids and ventral body wall by inducing the assembly of actomyosin bundles. Promotes keratinocyte terminal differentiation. Involved in osteoblast compaction through the fibronectin fibrillogenesis cell-mediated matrix assembly process, essential for osteoblast mineralization. [The UniProt Consortium]