PRKCB/PKC beta

PRKCB gives rise to two splice variants, PKC betaI and PKC betaII, conventional isoforms activated by calcium and diacylglycerol. The beta isoforms are abundant in B lymphocytes, brain, pancreas and vasculature and relay signals from the B-cell receptor, Gq-coupled receptors and growth factors to downstream MAPK and NF-κB pathways. Sustained PKCbeta activity contributes to diabetic complications such as retinopathy and nephropathy, an observation that drove development of the selective inhibitor ruboxistaurin. PKCbeta also supports proliferation in certain lymphoid and solid tumors. Recombinant PKC beta is widely used in studies of isozyme-selective signaling and in screening inhibitors aimed at this validated clinical target.