| Protein Name | Protein Kinase C epsilon |
| Gene | PRKCE |
| UniProt ID | Q02156 |
| PDB IDs | 1GMI, 2JED, 5MJ6 |
| Molecular Weight | 83.7 kDa |
| Subcellular Localization | Cytoplasm, plasma membrane, nucleus, mitochondria |
| Protein Family | Protein Kinase C family (novel PKC) |
Protein Kinase C epsilon is a Protein Kinase C family (novel PKC) member. The protein contains the characteristic domain structure including [domain descriptions]. The molecular weight is approximately 83.7 kDa, and the protein localizes to Cytoplasm, plasma membrane, nucleus, mitochondria.
Protein kinase C epsilon (PKCε) is a novel PKC isoform activated by DAG but calcium-independent. It is involved in cardioprotection, learning and memory, pain modulation, and cell survival. PKCε is neuroprotective against excitotoxicity, oxidative stress, and ischemia. In the brain, PKCε modulates synaptic plasticity, GABAergic signaling, and axon guidance. PKCε is also expressed in astrocytes and microglia where it regulates neuroinflammatory responses.
PKCε has neuroprotective roles in Alzheimer's disease and traumatic brain injury. PKCε activators are being developed for neuroprotection. PKCε also plays roles in addiction, epilepsy, and cardiac preconditioning.
This protein is a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases. Research is ongoing to develop small molecule inhibitors and biologics that modulate its activity.
This section provides background information on the gene/protein and its role in the nervous system.
This overview section needs to be expanded with relevant scientific information from peer-reviewed sources.