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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