PKC Isoenzymes and Apoptosis

Different PKC isoenzymes seem to be involved in the induction of apoptosis. However, the exact role of each isoenzyme is not dear at present (McConkey et al., 1994 Lucas and Sanchez-Margalet, 1995 Lavin et al., 1996 Grant et aL, 1996 Deacon et al., 1997). Here the known effects of different PKC isoenzymes on apoptosis are summarized. 

The exact role of ceramide in apoptosis seems not to be clear because of problems detecting ceramide levels (Kolesnick and Hannun, 1999 Hofmann and Dixit, 1999 Watts et al, 1999). Ganglioside GD3 is an important mediator of Fas-induced apoptosis in hematopoietic cells. Ceramide triggers the synthesis of ganglioside GD3 (DeMaria et al., 1997). So it is difficult to explain vdiether the inducer of apoptosis is ceramide or ganglioside. 

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