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Published on: February 19, 2016
Expression of the atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) isoforms iota/lambda and zeta during mouse embryogenesis
Judit Kovac1, Henrik Oster, Michael Leitges
1Max-Planck-Institute of Experimental Endocrinology, Feodor-Lynen-Strasse 7, 30625 Hannover, Germany. judit.kovac@mpihan.mpg.de
Abstract:
The atypical C-type protein kinases (aPKCs) comprise the third subclass of the PKC family functionally defined by insensitivity to phorbol esters, diacylgylcerol and calcium. aPKCs have been implicated in numerous biological processes including cell proliferation and survival, cell polarity, migration and inflammation. However, only insufficient data exist with regard to aPKC isoform specificity, since both mammalian aPKCs, PKC iota/lambda and PKC zeta, exhibit a high structural homology and very similar biochemical properties. In this study, we therefore used isoform-specific riboprobes and antibodies to define the characteristic expression profile of each aPKC isoform during mouse embryogenesis. Both, PKC iota/lambda and zeta show highly specific temporal and spatial patterns of expression which may help in distinguishing physiological functions of these isoforms.
Insights
Atypical protein kinase C (aPKC) isoforms, PKC iota/lambda and PKC zeta, show distinct expression patterns during mouse development. This research helps differentiate their specific physiological roles.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Atypical C-type protein kinases (aPKCs) are a subclass of the protein kinase C (PKC) family.
- aPKCs are involved in cell proliferation, survival, polarity, migration, and inflammation.
- Mammalian aPKCs, PKC iota/lambda and PKC zeta, share high structural homology and similar biochemical properties, hindering functional differentiation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the distinct expression profiles of PKC iota/lambda and PKC zeta during mouse embryogenesis.
- To provide insights into the isoform-specific physiological functions of aPKCs.
Main Methods:
- Utilized isoform-specific riboprobes for analyzing gene expression.
- Employed isoform-specific antibodies for protein expression analysis.
- Examined expression patterns throughout mouse embryogenesis.
Main Results:
- PKC iota/lambda and PKC zeta exhibit highly specific temporal and spatial expression patterns during mouse embryogenesis.
- These distinct expression profiles suggest specialized roles for each aPKC isoform.
Conclusions:
- The identified expression patterns of PKC iota/lambda and PKC zeta can aid in distinguishing their unique physiological functions.
- This study provides a foundation for further research into the specific roles of aPKC isoforms in development and disease.

