Protein kinase C zeta type (PKC-zeta) (PKC-zeta)

Protein kinase C-zeta (PKCζ) is an atypical member of the protein kinase C family of serine/threonine kinases, distinguished by its lack of requirement for calcium or diacylglycerol for activation [UniProt Q05513, NIH]. It serves as a critical signaling node in various cellular processes, including the establishment of cell polarity, regulation of the NF-κB pathway, and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake [Wikipedia, NIH]. In oncology, PKCζ is often overexpressed and acts as a pro-tumorigenic factor, driving cell migration, invasion, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition in cancers such as thyroid, colorectal, and ovarian carcinoma [Frontiers in Oncology, PLOS ONE]. Furthermore, a brain-specific isoform known as PKMζ is essential for the maintenance of long-term potentiation and memory storage [Wikipedia, NIH]. Due to its involvement in cancer, asthma, and metabolic diseases, PKCζ is considered a significant therapeutic target, though the development of selective inhibitors is complicated by its structural similarity to other PKC isoforms and its broad physiological roles [NIH, Guide to Pharmacology]. Current research focuses on small molecules and peptide-based inhibitors to modulate its activity in specific disease contexts [NIH].

Other names

PRKCZPKC-ZETAPKC2nPKC-zetaAtypical protein kinase C zetaProtein kinase C zeta

Inhibition of the catalytic domain through pseudosubstrate mimicry or ATP-competitive binding, leading to the suppression of downstream signaling pathways such as NF-kappaB, ERK/MAPK, and PI3K/Akt [NIH, Wikipedia].