cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha (PRKACA), beta (PRKACB), or gamma (PRKACG) (PKA catalytic subunit (commonly PRKACA, PRKACB, PRKACG for specific isoforms))

cAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunit alpha, beta, or gamma is the catalytic component of the tetrameric holoenzyme protein kinase A (PKA), which mediates most cellular responses to cyclic AMP signaling. PKA catalytic subunits transfer the gamma-phosphoryl group from ATP to serine or threonine residues on target proteins, altering their function. Each isoform (alpha, beta, gamma) is encoded by a distinct gene (PRKACA, PRKACB, PRKACG, respectively) and displays some tissue-specific expression. Activation occurs when cAMP binds to PKA regulatory subunits, releasing active catalytic subunits. Through its diverse substrate profile, PKA influences metabolism, transcription, cell cycle, growth, and survival, and dysregulation has been implicated in diseases such as cancer and endocrine disorders.

Other names

Protein kinase A catalytic subunit alphaPRKACAProtein kinase A catalytic subunit betaPRKACBProtein kinase A catalytic subunit gammaPRKACGcAMP-dependent protein kinase catalytic subunitPKA catalytic subunit

Phosphorylation of serine/threonine residues on substrate proteins in response to cAMP second messenger signaling cascade