Multifaceted Functions of Protein Kinase D in Pathological Processes and Human Diseases

Area of Science:

• Molecular Biology
• Cell Signaling
• Biochemistry

Background:

• Protein kinase D (PKD) is a family of serine/threonine kinases involved in diacylglycerol signaling.
• PKD family members (PKD1, PKD2, PKD3) regulate critical cellular processes like migration, proliferation, and immune response.
• Dysregulation of PKD expression and activity is linked to various human diseases.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide a comprehensive overview of Protein kinase D (PKD) family functions.
• To explore the role of PKD in major human diseases, with an emphasis on cancer.
• To highlight the importance of understanding isoform-specific mechanisms for therapeutic development.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of existing research on Protein kinase D (PKD).
• Analysis of cellular and animal model studies on PKD loss- and gain-of-function.
• Focus on cancer-associated biological processes regulated by PKD.

Main Results:

• PKD signaling impacts secretion, migration, proliferation, survival, angiogenesis, and immune responses.
• PKD dysregulation is implicated in cancer, metabolic disorders, cardiac diseases, CNS disorders, and inflammatory conditions.
• Isoform-specific functions and regulatory complexities of PKD are evident across different biological systems and disease models.

Conclusions:

• Protein kinase D (PKD) plays a critical role in numerous pathological conditions, especially cancer.
• Understanding the distinct molecular mechanisms and in vivo significance of PKD isoforms is essential.
• Targeted therapies for PKD hold promise for treating various human diseases, necessitating further research into isoform-specific actions.