Protein kinase D3 (PRKD3) (PRKD3)

Protein kinase D3 (PKD3), also known as protein kinase C nu (PRKCN), is a serine/threonine kinase belonging to the protein kinase D family (UniProt Q9P2K8). It is distinct from the classical protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms, although it is activated downstream of PKC and by diacylglycerol (DAG) (PubMed: 18483241). PKD3 plays a critical role in various cellular processes, including Golgi-to-plasma membrane vesicle trafficking, cell proliferation, and survival signaling (HGNC: 9401). In the context of oncology, PKD3 is frequently overexpressed in several malignancies, such as prostate and breast cancers, where it promotes tumor growth and metastasis (PubMed: 20647541). Consequently, it is considered a potential therapeutic target, with several small-molecule inhibitors like CRT0066101 currently being explored in preclinical studies to modulate its activity (PubMed: 23903774). The target is also implicated in cardiovascular health, specifically in cardiac hypertrophy and remodeling (PubMed: 21566104). Research continues to focus on developing selective inhibitors to minimize off-target effects associated with pan-PKD inhibition.

Other names

PRKCNProtein kinase C nuPKC-nuEPK2nPKC-nu

Inhibition of serine/threonine kinase activity through ATP-competitive binding.