Protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes, a family of serine/threonine kinases, have been implicated in the regulation of cell growth and apoptosis. PKCs and other signaling molecules such as the chimaerins are the cellular receptors for the phorbol ester tumor promoters. Interestingly, phorbol ester inhibit celll growth or promote apoptosis in prostate cancer cell lines. Accumulating data indicate that multiple PKC isozymes induce an apoptotic response in androgen-dependent prostate cancer cells. Indeed, both the classical PKCalpha and the novel PKC gamma mediate the pro-apoptotic effect of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate in LNCaP prostate cancer cells. Although most of the molecular events involved in PKC-mediated apoptosis in prostate cancer cells are poorly understood, there is increasing evidence for a role of MAPK cascades, as well as an inhibitory role for PKC in the control of cell cycle.
Transworld Research Network
