Kinase Subfamily PKCa

Kinase Classification: Group AGC: Family PKC: Subfamily PKCa

PKCa is the classical Protein Kinase C subfamily.

Evolution

PKCa is found in choanoflagellates and animals. Mammals have 3 members, PKCa/b/g (alpha/beta/gamma), while Drosophila has two (inaC and Pkc53E) and nematodes have one (pkc-2)

Domain Structure

PKCa proteins have twin C1 domains (DAG-binding) followed by a C2 domain (calcium-binding) and an AGC kinase domain

Functions

PKCa is activated by Ca2+ and DAG (diacyl glycerol), both of which are produced by phosphoinositide signaling, which recruit PKC to the membrane where it is further activated by binding phospholipids in the cell membrane. PKCs have a wide variety of downstream targets and functions, including regulation of cell growth, receptor desensitization and membrane structure, as well as memory formation, immune responses, and smooth muscle contraction.