Protein kinase C isoforms at the neuromuscular junction: localization and specific roles in neurotransmission and development

• Published in: Journal of anatomy Vol. 224; no. 1; pp. 61 - 73
• Main Authors: Lanuza, Maria A., Santafe, Manel M., Garcia, Neus, Besalduch, Núria, Tomàs, Marta, Obis, Teresa, Priego, Mercedes, Nelson, Phillip G., Tomàs, Josep
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.01.2014; Blackwell Science Inc
• Subjects: Adult; Data processing; electrical stimulation; Humans; immunofluorescence; isoforms; Kinases; Muscular system; neuromuscular junction; Neuromuscular Junction - enzymology; Neuromuscular Junction - physiology; neurotransmission; Phosphorylation - physiology; Protein Isoforms - physiology; protein kinase C; Protein Kinase C - physiology; Review; synapse elimination; Synaptic Transmission - physiology; electrical stimulation; synapse elimination; neurotransmission; neuromuscular junction; isoforms; protein kinase C; immunofluorescence
• ISSN: 0021-8782; 1469-7580
• DOI: 10.1111/joa.12106

The protein kinase C family (PKC) regulates a variety of neural functions including neurotransmitter release. The selective activation of a wide range of PKC isoforms in different cells and domains is likely to contribute to the functional diversity of PKC phosphorylating activity. In this review, we describe the isoform localization, phosphorylation function, regulation and signalling of the PKC family at the neuromuscular junction. Data show the involvement of the PKC family in several important functions at the neuromuscular junction and in particular in the maturation of the synapse and the modulation of neurotransmission in the adult.