Rho, the Ras-related small GTPase, is responsible for the regulation of Actin-based cytoskeletal structures including stress fibers, focal adhesions and the contractile ring apparatus. Rho proteins function as molecular switches that are able to turn cytokinesis on and off. Although little is known about signaling downstream of Rho, a host of putative Rho effector proteins have been described, including rhophilin, Rhotekin, citron and the serine/threonine kinase, protein kinase N. Two additional Rho-activated serine/threonine kinases have been described, designated Rock-1 and Rock-2 (also referred to as Roka, for Rho-associated coil-containing protein kinase). Rock-1 and Rock-2 share a structural similarity with myotonic dystrophy kinase.
