The interplay between histone deacetylases and rho kinases is important for cancer and neurodegeneration

- ROCKs and HDACs are relevant for tumorigenesis and neurodegeneration.
- ROCKs and HDACs interact in normal and transformed cells.
- Drugs against ROCKs and HDACs may combine favorably.

Rho associated coiled-coil containing kinases (ROCKs) respond to defined extra- and intracellular stimuli to control cell migration, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. Histone deacetylases (HDACs) are epigenetic modifiers that regulate nuclear and cytoplasmic signaling through the deacetylation of histones and non-histone proteins. ROCK and HDAC functions are important compounds of basic and applied research interests. Recent evidence suggests a physiologically important interplay between HDACs and ROCKs in various cells and organisms. Here we summarize the crosstalk between these enzymatic families and its implications for cancer and neurodegeneration.

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