Inhibition of Rho-associated, coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 2 in murine podocytes

Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is characterized by damage to podocytes, a crucial pathological feature. While several mechanisms of podocyte injury have been suggested, many questions remain unanswered. Rho-associated, coiled-coil-containing protein kinase 2 (ROCK2), a serine/threonine kinase with diverse cellular functions, appears to play a significant role. We observed activation of ROCK2 in podocytes of mice with FSGS induced by adriamycin (ADR), as well as in cultured podocytes exposed to ADR. To delve deeper, we used conditional knockout mice where the ROCK2 gene was specifically disrupted in podocytes (PR2KO). These mice showed resistance to ADR-induced albuminuria, glomerular sclerosis, and podocyte damage. Additionally, pharmacological inhibition of ROCK2 significantly improved podocyte loss and kidney sclerosis in a mouse model of FSGS by counteracting profibrotic factors. RNA sequencing of podocytes treated with a ROCK2 inhibitor confirmed ROCK2's role as a regulator of the cyclic nucleotide signaling pathway. Our findings underscore the potential of ROCK2 inhibition as a therapeutic avenue for FSGS. Overall design: To explore the involvement of ROCK2 in podocyte damage, we used a chemical inhibitor of ROCK2 in murine podocytes.