Related Experiment Video
Updated: Nov 30, 2025

Identification of Novel CK2 Kinase Substrates Using a Versatile Biochemical Approach
Published on: February 21, 2019
Equivocal, explicit and emergent actions of PKC isoforms in cancer
Peter J Parker1,2, Sophie J Brown3, Veronique Calleja3
1Protein Phosphorylation Laboratory, Francis Crick Institute, London, UK. peter.parker@crick.ac.uk.
Abstract:
The maturing mutational landscape of cancer genomes, the development and application of clinical interventions and evolving insights into tumour-associated functions reveal unexpected features of the protein kinase C (PKC) family of serine/threonine protein kinases. These advances include recent work showing gain or loss-of-function mutations relating to driver or bystander roles, how conformational constraints and plasticity impact this class of proteins and how emergent cancer-associated properties may offer opportunities for intervention. The profound impact of the tumour microenvironment, reflected in the efficacy of immune checkpoint interventions, further prompts to incorporate PKC family actions and interventions in this ecosystem, informed by insights into the control of stromal and immune cell functions. Drugging PKC isoforms has offered much promise, but when and how is not obvious.
Insights
Protein Kinase C (PKC) mutations in cancer are revealing new therapeutic targets. Understanding PKC
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Cancer genomes exhibit evolving mutational landscapes.
- Protein Kinase C (PKC) family kinases play critical roles in cellular functions.
- Tumor microenvironment significantly impacts cancer progression and treatment efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore novel features of the PKC family in cancer.
- To investigate the implications of PKC mutations and their roles in tumorigenesis.
- To assess the potential of targeting PKC isoforms within the tumor ecosystem.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of cancer genome data.
- Review of recent literature on PKC function and mutations.
- Integration of insights into tumor microenvironment and immune interactions.
Main Results:
- Gain or loss-of-function mutations in PKC are identified.
- Conformational plasticity and constraints influence PKC activity.
- PKC's role in stromal and immune cell functions is highlighted.
Conclusions:
- Emergent cancer-associated properties of PKC offer therapeutic opportunities.
- Targeting PKC isoforms requires careful consideration of timing and mechanism.
- Integrating PKC-targeted therapies with immune checkpoint interventions may enhance efficacy.
Related Concept Videos
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
Interactions Between Signaling Pathways
Convergence and divergence, and cross-talk between signaling pathways
Two distinct signaling pathways can converge on a single functional unit, which may either be a single protein or a complex of proteins. The response is either functionally distinct or synergistic between the two pathways but different from the response...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
MAPK Signaling Cascades
Inhibition of Cdk Activity
cAMP-dependent Protein Kinase Pathways

