PRKD2/PKD2

Sharing the tandem C1 domain-kinase architecture of the PKD family, PKD2 (gene PRKD2) is a Ser/Thr kinase activated by diacylglycerol and by PKC-dependent phosphorylation of its activation loop. It localizes to the Golgi apparatus and participates in protein transport, secretory pathways and integrin-mediated signaling. PKD2 is expressed in many tissues, including heart and skeletal muscle, but its function remains less explored than that of PKD1 or PKD3. Emerging evidence links PKD2 to pancreatic cancer cell proliferation and to regulation of epithelial barrier function. Because it can partially compensate for other PKDs, isoform-selective tools are needed to define its unique biology.