The PRKC Gene Family: Structural Organization, Signaling Mechanisms, and Therapeutic Implications

Abstract

Protein kinase C enzyme/isoforms (PKC) represents a family of serine/threonine kinases encoded by the PRKC
gene family that plays a central role in intracellular signal transduction. PKC isoforms act as molecular switches 
that translate extracellular signals into coordinated cellular responses regulating proliferation, differentiation, 
apoptosis, metabolism, immune activation, and neuronal signaling. Molecular studies have established that PKC 
comprises multiple isoenzymes with distinct regulatory domains, cofactor requirements, tissue distribution, and 
functional specificity. Dysregulation of PKC signaling is implicated in a wide range of pathological conditions, 
including cancer, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular disease, immune-mediated disorders, and neurodegenerative 
diseases. From a green pharmacy perspective, increasing attention has focused on plant-derived and naturally 
occurring compounds capable of modulating PKC activity with improved safety and sustainability profiles. 
This review provides a comprehensive and plagiarism-safe overview of the PRKC gene family, detailing the 
structural organization, activation mechanisms, signaling pathways, and physiological roles of PKC isoforms. 
Furthermore, it highlights the involvement of PKC dysregulation in human diseases and discusses emerging 
therapeutic strategies, with particular emphasis on natural and phytochemical PKC modulators relevant to green 
pharmacy research. Understanding PRKC biology at the molecular and systems levels is essential for the rational 
development of sustainable, isoform-selective therapeutic interventions.