Rho/ROCK-MYOCD in regulating airway smooth muscle growth and remodeling

Abstract

Abnormal airway remodeling is a common pathologic change seen in chronic respiratory diseases. Altered proliferation and differentiation of airway smooth muscle cells (ASMCs) are the major component of airway remodeling, and the resultant structural abnormalities are difficult to restore. Understanding of airway smooth muscle regulation is urgently needed in order to identify potential intervention targets. MYOCD (or Myocardin) and Myocardin related transcription factors (MRTFs) are key co-transcription factors in muscle growth, which have not been extensively investigated in airway smooth muscle cells. In addition, the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway is known to play an important role in airway remodeling partly through regulating the proliferation and differentiation of ASMCs, which may be connected with MYOCD/MRTF co-transcription factors. This minireview focuses on this newly recognized and potentially important RhoA/ROCK-MYOCD/MRTFs pathway in controlling airway smooth muscle growth and remodeling.