PRKACA/PKAc alpha

Encoded by the PRKACA gene, the alpha isoform of the cAMP-dependent protein kinase (PKA) catalytic subunit is the predominant C subunit in most tissues. In the resting holoenzyme it is held inactive by regulatory subunits; cAMP binding releases the catalytic subunit to phosphorylate serine/threonine residues in RRX(S/T) motifs on targets such as CREB, ion channels and metabolic enzymes. PKA Ca underpins hormone-stimulated glycogen breakdown, lipolysis and steroidogenesis and controls proliferation through CREB-driven transcription. Somatic PRKACA alterations cause cortisol-producing adenomas in Cushing syndrome, and a DNAJB1-PRKACA fusion drives fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma, making the alpha subunit a clinically validated marker.