Rhosin hydrochloride

Rhosin hydrochloride (CAS No.: 1281870-42-5) is a selective small-molecule inhibitor of the RhoA subfamily of Rho GTPases, a class of intracellular signaling regulators that control cytoskeletal organization, gene expression, cell cycle progression, and cell motility. It directly binds to RhoA and disrupts its interaction with guanine nucleotide exchange factors, exhibiting activity in the low micromolar range and demonstrating high specificity without significant interaction with related GTPases such as Rac1 or Cdc42. Mechanistically, Rhosin hydrochloride inhibits RhoA-mediated signaling pathways, leading to modulation of actin dynamics, suppression of cancer cell proliferation and invasion, and induction of apoptosis in cellular models. In neuronal systems, it has been shown to promote neurite outgrowth and enhance synaptic plasticity, including increased dendritic spine density associated with excitatory signaling, while reducing neuronal hyperexcitability. In vivo studies further indicate its utility in modulating stress-related neurobiological responses, particularly through effects on medium spiny neurons. Rhosin hydrochloride is widely used as a research tool in studies of RhoA-dependent signaling, cancer biology, and neurobiology, with experimental concentrations and dosing regimens varying according to specific assay conditions and model systems.