Getting smart – Deciphering the neuronal functions of protein kinase D

• Published in: Biochimica et biophysica acta. Molecular cell research Vol. 1871; no. 7; p. 119812
• Main Authors: Schlett, Katalin, Oueslati Morales, Carlos O., Bencsik, Norbert, Hausser, Angelika
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Netherlands Elsevier B.V 01.10.2024
• ISSN: 0167-4889; 1879-2596; 1879-2596
• DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2024.119812

Protein kinase D (PKD) is a family of serine/threonine kinases that play important roles in various signalling pathways in cells, including neuronal cells. In the nervous system, PKD has been shown to be involved in learning and memory formation by regulating neurotransmitter release, neurite outgrowth and dendrite development, synapse formation and synaptic plasticity. In addition, PKD has been implicated in pain perception or neuroprotection during oxidative stress. Dysregulation of PKD expression and activity has been linked to several neurological disorders, including autism and epilepsy. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge on the function of the PKD family members in neuronal cells, including the spatial regulation of their downstream signalling pathways. We will further discuss the potential role of PKD in the pathogenesis of neurological disorders. •In the nervous system, PKD regulates learning and memory formation.•PKD-dependent signalling pathways are spatially organized and take place at different subcellular compartments.•Loss-of-function mutations in PKD are associated with neuronal disorders.