The PRKCH antibody targets protein kinase C eta (PKCη), a member of the PKC serine/threonine kinase family involved in diverse cellular processes. PKCη, encoded by the PRKCH gene, belongs to the novel PKC subfamily (nPKC), characterized by calcium-independent activation but dependence on diacylglycerol (DAG) or phorbol esters. It contains a regulatory C1 domain for lipid binding and a catalytic kinase domain.
PKCη plays critical roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune regulation. It is highly expressed in epithelial tissues, lungs, and skin, and is implicated in cancer progression, neurodegenerative disorders, and inflammatory responses. Studies link PRKCH polymorphisms to autoimmune diseases, including systemic lupus erythematosus and rheumatoid arthritis. In cancer, PKCη may act as both oncogene and tumor suppressor, depending on context, influencing pathways like NF-κB and MAPK.
PRKCH antibodies are essential tools for detecting PKCη expression, localization, and post-translational modifications (e.g., phosphorylation) via techniques like Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, and immunofluorescence. They aid in studying PKCη's functional dynamics in signaling cascades and its therapeutic potential. Commercial antibodies are validated for specificity against unique epitopes in human/mouse samples, enabling research into PKCη's role in disease mechanisms and drug development.