Protein Kinase C in Cancer Signaling and Therapy

The Protein Kinase C (PKC) serine-threonine kinases represent one &tile first families of signaling molecules implicated in carcinogenesis. Originally identified as the intracellular targets for the phorbol esters, natural products with tumor promoting activity, PKC isozymes rare known to mediate the actions of growth factors and hormones, and have been widely implicated in the control of cell proliferation, survival, migration, adhesion, and malignant transformation. In addition, there is a large body of evidence linking PKC to invasion and cancer cell metastasis. Moreover, expression of PKC isozymes is altered in various types of cancers and correlates in many cases with the progression of the disease. Over-expression off KC isozymes in mouse models can lead to the development of cancer. PKCs also mediate the action of chemotherapeutic drugs or in some cases they are involved in the resistance to chemotherapeutic agents. More importantly, small molecule PKC inhibitors have been developed with significant anti-cancer activity. The relevance of fitC isozymes in cancer signaling is therefore remarkable.

Protein Kinase C in Cancer Signaling and Therapy is composed of twenty-three chapters written by leading experts in the field. The book is divided into four sections: Regulation of PKC isozyme function: from genes to biochemistry, PKC isozymes in the control of cell function, PKC isozymes in cancer, and PKC isozymes as targets for cancer therapy. Each section of Protein Kinase C in Cancer Signaling and Therapy begins with an introduction by an established professional in the field of PKC, followed by chapters that elucidate the importance of PKC in current cancer research.