Protein kinase D: activation for Golgi carrier formation

Protein kinase D regulates fission at the trans-Golgi network (TGN) of transport carriers that deliver cargo to the plasma membrane. PKD is first recruited to the TGN through interaction with diacylglycerol and is subsequently activated by phosphorylation to promote carrier fission. In a recent study, the relevant upstream kinase at the TGN was identified as the novel protein kinase C isoform PKCeta, which in turn is activated in response to heterotrimeric G-protein activation. These findings indicate the existence of a kinase signaling cascade at the TGN that regulates carrier fission and suggest a mechanism by which cargo might direct the formation of its transport carriers.