Protein kinase C zeta (PKCζ)

Protein kinase C zeta is an atypical member of the protein kinase C family encoded by the PRKCZ gene. Unlike classical PKCs that require calcium and diacylglycerol for activation, PKCζ operates independently of these cofactors but depends on phosphatidylserine. It plays critical roles in signal transduction pathways regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, secretion, apoptosis, and especially insulin-stimulated glucose transport. In neurons, an alternative transcript called protein kinase M zeta (PKMζ) is constitutively active and implicated in long-term memory maintenance. Structurally distinct from other isoforms due to only one zinc finger module and unique regulatory features, PKCζ interacts with proteins such as ZIP to mediate diverse cellular responses. Dysregulation has been linked to cancer progression and metabolic diseases.

Other names

PRKCZnPKC-zetaPKC2aPKCzetaProtein kinase C zeta type

Drugs targeting this molecule would likely act as kinase inhibitors—blocking its serine/threonine phosphorylation activity and thus modulating downstream signaling pathways involved in cell growth, survival, and metabolism.