Different translocation of three distinct PKC isoforms with tumor-promoting phorbol ester in human platelets

Protein kinase C (PKC), a family of related but distinct enzymes whose cellular functions are poorly understood, acts in synergy with Ca2+ mobilization for the activation of platelets. Using specific antibodies for the different isoforms, immunoblot analysis revealed the presence in human platelets of three different PKC subtypes which specifically react with alpha, beta and zeta-PKC antibodies. Whereas the subcellular distribution of the alpha PKC remained unaffected, incubation of platelets with 1 microM PMA for 2 min resulted in a significant subcellular distribution from cytosol to membrane of beta-PKC (25%) and zeta (15%). The beta-PKC isoform is more sensitive than alpha and zeta-PKC to PMA, since 100 nM PMA resulted in a translocation of 85%, 64% and 66% respectively of a maximum translocation observed with 1 microM PMA.