Function
A multiplicity of functions have been ascribed to PKC. Recurring themes are that PKC is involved in receptor desensitization, in modulating membrane structure events, in regulating transcription, in mediating immune responses, in regulating cell growth, and in learning and memory. These functions are achieved by PKC mediated phosphorylation of other proteins. However, the substrate proteins present for phosphorylation vary, since protein expression is different between different kinds of cells. Thus, effects of PKC are cell-type specific:
| Cell type | Organ/system | Activators ligands --> Gq-GPCRs |
Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| smooth muscle cell (gastrointestinal tract sphincters) | digestive system |
|
contraction |
smooth muscle cells in:
|
Various |
|
contraction |
smooth muscle cells in:
|
sensory system | acetylcholine --> M3 receptor | contraction |
| smooth muscle cell (vascular) | circulatory system |
|
|
| smooth muscle cell (seminal tract) | reproductive system |
|
ejaculation |
| smooth muscle cell (GI tract) | digestive system |
|
|
| smooth muscle cell (bronchi) | respiratory system |
|
bronchoconstriction |
| proximal convoluted tubule cell | kidney |
|
|
| neurons in autonomic ganglia | nervous system | acetylcholine --> M1 receptor | EPSP |
| neurons in CNS | nervous system |
|
|
| platelets | circulatory system | 5-HT --> 5-HT2A receptor | aggregation |
| ependymal cells (choroid plexus) | ventricular system | 5-HT --> 5-HT2C receptor | ↑cerebrospinal fluid secretion |
| heart muscle | circulatory system |
|
positive ionotropic effect |
| serous cells (salivary gland) | digestive system |
|
|
| serous cells (lacrimal gland) | digestive system |
|
|
| adipocyte | digestive system/endocrine system |
|
|
| hepatocyte | digestive system |
|
|
| sweat gland cells | integumentary system |
|
|
| parietal cells | digestive system | acetylcholine --> M1 receptors | ↑ gastric acid secretion |
Read more about this topic: Protein Kinase C
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