PRKACB/PKAc beta

PRKACB supplies the beta catalytic subunit of cAMP-dependent protein kinase, the second of three autosomal C-subunit genes. Its protein differs from Ca at only a handful of positions yet supports largely overlapping substrate phosphorylation, and single-isoform knockout mice are viable, indicating functional compensation among catalytic subunits. The beta subunit is expressed broadly, with relatively high levels in tissues such as brain and spleen. Like Ca, it is released from the R2C2 holoenzyme upon cAMP binding and phosphorylates RRXS/T motifs in effectors including CREB and metabolic enzymes. PRKACB variants have been investigated as modifiers of PKA-driven endocrine phenotypes, and recombinant Cb serves in isoform-selective holoenzyme reconstitution studies.