Differential expression of genes in the RhoA/ROCK pathway in the hippocampus and cortex following intermittent hypoxia and high-intensity interval training

Abstract

Intermittent hypoxia (IH) and high-intensity interval training (HIIT) enhance neuroplasticity and upregulate neurotrophic factors in the central nervous system (CNS). We provide evidence that IH and IH + HIIT also have the capacity to regulate genes involved in the RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway that is known to restrict structural plasticity in the CNS. This provides a new mechanistic insight into how these interventions may enhance hippocampal-related plasticity and facilitate learning, memory, and neuroregeneration.