What is protein kinase C?
Protein kinase C is a term used to describe a group of enzymes characterized by their ability to modify specific amino acids that form other proteins, thus changing their function. Protein kinase or phosphotransferase is an enzyme involved in the connection of a phosphate group to another molecule or protein, a process that can serve different cellular purposes. This process, called phosphorylation, can activate or deactivate various aspects of proteins, including several related to human disease. The family of protein kinase C is specifically involved in the phosphorylation of hydroxyl groups on two specific amino acids: Serin and Threonin. Various members of this protein family are involved in the huge diversity of biological processes from sweat secretion to muscle contraction.
Members of the family of protein kinase C are made up of two different parts or domains that are referred to as regulatory and catalytic domains. The regulatory domain is made up of several places inAccess and sensing, such as the C2 domain, which acts as a sensor of calcium ions. Protein kinase C is often activated by high calcium ion concentrations in the surrounding cell environment, so the ability to perceive the calcium level of ions is important.
many different enzymes have a catalytic domain; It is not unique for protein kinase C. Enzymes work significantly by reducing activation energy barriers that prevent biochemical reactions from quickly and efficiently. Without enzymes, most of the basic chemical reactions that occur in the cell would not occur fast enough to support life. The catalytic domain is a specific area of the enzyme that catalyzes specific chemical reactions. One interesting feature of the catalytic domain of protein kinase C is that it can be phosphorylated in itself; In fact, he is unable to function if any of his phosphorylation sites are not phosphorylated.
PrimaryThe function of protein kinase C is signaling; It responds to various chemical stimuli by sending other chemical signals. When protein kinase C is activated, usually a chemical signal, such as a high concentration of calcium ions, transport proteins move the enzyme where it is needed. Generally, the enzyme must be moved to the plasma membrane of the cell, because the signals that are responsible for sending must be sent to the cell. These signals can have a number of different results based on identity and location of a particular kinase. Possible functions include stomach acid secretion, vasoconstriction and a change in the chemical composition of saliva.