PRKCH

PRKCH

Gene Overview

<div class="infobox infobox-gene">
<div class="infobox-header">Gene Information</div>
<table>
<tr><th>Symbol</th><td>PRKCH</td></tr>
<tr><th>Full Name</th><td>Protein Kinase C Eta</td></tr>
<tr><th>Chromosome</th><td>14q23.3</td></tr>
<tr><th>NCBI Gene ID</th><td>[5585](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/5585)</td></tr>
<tr><th>UniProt ID</th><td>[P24728](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/P24728)</td></tr>
<tr><th>Ensembl ID</th><td>[ENSG00000027075](https://www.ensembl.org/Homo_sapiens/Gene/Summary?g=ENSG00000027075)</td></tr>
<tr><th>Protein Class</th><td>Serine/Threonine Kinase</td></tr>
<tr><th>Expression</th><td>Brain, epithelial cells, skin</td></tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">KG Connections</td>
<td><a href="/atlas" style="color:#4fc3f7">7 edges</a></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

PRKCH (Protein Kinase C Eta) is a member of the protein kinase C (PKC) family of serine/threonine kinases. It encodes the protein kinase C eta (PKCη) isoform, which is expressed in various tissues including the brain, epithelial cells, and skin [@uniprot]. PKCη plays important roles in cell differentiation, proliferation, and signal transduction pathways relevant to neuronal function and neuroprotection [@protein].

Function

Protein kinase C eta (PKCη) is a member of the novel subclass of PKC enzymes, characterized by its sensitivity to diacylglycerol (DAG) and phorbol esters but independence from calcium [@pkc]. The enzyme is involved in several key cellular processes:

PRKCH

Gene Overview

<div class="infobox infobox-gene">
<div class="infobox-header">Gene Information</div>
<table>
<tr><th>Symbol</th><td>PRKCH</td></tr>
<tr><th>Full Name</th><td>Protein Kinase C Eta</td></tr>
<tr><th>Chromosome</th><td>14q23.3</td></tr>
<tr><th>NCBI Gene ID</th><td>[5585](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/gene/5585)</td></tr>
<tr><th>UniProt ID</th><td>[P24728](https://www.uniprot.org/uniprot/P24728)</td></tr>
<tr><th>Ensembl ID</th><td>[ENSG00000027075](https://www.ensembl.org/Homo_sapiens/Gene/Summary?g=ENSG00000027075)</td></tr>
<tr><th>Protein Class</th><td>Serine/Threonine Kinase</td></tr>
<tr><th>Expression</th><td>Brain, epithelial cells, skin</td></tr>
<tr>
<td class="label">KG Connections</td>
<td><a href="/atlas" style="color:#4fc3f7">7 edges</a></td>
</tr>
</table>
</div>

PRKCH (Protein Kinase C Eta) is a member of the protein kinase C (PKC) family of serine/threonine kinases. It encodes the protein kinase C eta (PKCη) isoform, which is expressed in various tissues including the brain, epithelial cells, and skin [@uniprot]. PKCη plays important roles in cell differentiation, proliferation, and signal transduction pathways relevant to neuronal function and neuroprotection [@protein].

Function

Protein kinase C eta (PKCη) is a member of the novel subclass of PKC enzymes, characterized by its sensitivity to diacylglycerol (DAG) and phorbol esters but independence from calcium [@pkc]. The enzyme is involved in several key cellular processes:

• Cell Differentiation: PKCη promotes differentiation in various cell types, including keratinocytes and neuronal cells [@pkca]
• Cell Proliferation: Regulates cell cycle progression and proliferation through multiple signaling pathways [@pkcb]
• Signal Transduction: Participates in receptor-mediated signaling cascades involving DAG and phorbol esters [@pkc]
• Neuronal Function: Expressed in [neurons](/entities/neurons) where it modulates synaptic plasticity and neuroprotective pathways [@protein]

Expression Pattern

PRKCH is expressed in multiple brain regions, with notable expression in the cerebral [cortex](/brain-regions/cortex), [hippocampus](/brain-regions/hippocampus), and cerebellum. The protein is also highly expressed in epithelial cells throughout the body and in skin tissues [@uniprot]. In the brain, PKCη is localized in both neuronal cell bodies and synaptic terminals, suggesting roles in synaptic transmission and plasticity.

Disease Associations

Neurodegenerative Diseases

• Alzheimer's Disease: PKCη has been implicated in [amyloid-beta](/proteins/amyloid-beta) induced neurotoxicity and [tau](/proteins/tau) phosphorylation pathways. Studies show that PKCη activation can protect against amyloid-beta-induced cell death in neuronal cultures [@pkc2015]
• Parkinson's Disease: Research suggests PKCη may play a role in dopaminergic neuron survival and [alpha-synuclein](/proteins/alpha-synuclein) aggregation pathways [@pkcc]

Other Diseases

• Cancer: PKCη is overexpressed in several cancers and is associated with tumor progression and metastasis [@pkcd]
• Skin Disorders: Due to its role in keratinocyte differentiation, PKCη is implicated in psoriasis and other skin conditions [@pkc2004]

Signaling Pathways

PKCη participates in multiple signaling cascades:

Therapeutic Implications

PKCη represents a potential therapeutic target for neurodegenerative diseases. Activators of PKCη may offer neuroprotective effects by:

• Reducing amyloid-beta toxicity
• Promoting neuronal survival
• Modulating inflammatory responses in the brain

Key Publications

See Also

• Protein Kinase C Family
• [Alzheimer's Disease Molecular Pathways](/diseases/alzheimers-disease)
• [Parkinson's Disease Mechanisms](/mechanisms/parkinsons-disease-mechanisms)
• [Neurodegeneration](/diseases/neurodegeneration)
• [Kinase Inhibitors](/investment/protein-kinase-inhibitors)