Structure of the C2 domain from novel protein kinase Cepsilon. A membrane binding model for Ca(2+)-independent C2 domains

Lipid-Binding Regions within PKC-Related Serine/Threonine Protein Kinase N1 (PKN1) Required for Its Regulation

PKC-related serine/threonine protein kinase N1 (PKN1) is a protease/lipid-activated protein kinase that acts downstream of the RhoA and Rac1 pathways. PKN1 comprises unique regulatory, hinge region, and PKC homologous catalytic domains. The regulatory domain harbors two homologous regions, i.e., HR1 and C2-like. HR1 consists of three heptad repeats (HR1a, HR1b, and HR1c), with PKN1-(HR1a) hosting an amphipathic high-affinity cardiolipin-binding site for phospholipid interactions. Cardiolipin and C18:1 oleic acid are the most potent lipid activators of PKN1. PKN1-(C2) contains a pseudosubstrate sequence overlapping that of C20:4 arachidonic acid. However, the cardiolipin-binding site(s) within PKN1-(C2) and the respective binding properties remain unclear. Herein, we reveal (i) that the primary PKN1-(C2) sequence contains conserved amphipathic cardiolipin-binding motif(s); (ii) that trimeric PKN1-(C2) predominantly adopts a β-stranded conformation; (iii) that two distinct types of cardiolipin (or phosphatidic acid) binding occur, with the hydrophobic component playing a key role at higher salt levels; (iv) the multiplicity of C18 fatty acid binding to PKN1-(C2); and (v) the relevance of our lipid-binding parameters for PKN1-(C2) in terms of kinetic parameters previously determined for the full-length PKN1 enzyme. Thus, our discoveries create opportunities to design specific mammalian cell inhibitors that disrupt the localization of membrane-associated PKN1 signaling molecules.

Surface plasmon resonance and microscale thermophoresis approaches for determining the affinity of perforin for calcium ions

Perforin is a pore-forming protein that plays a crucial role in the immune system by clearing virus-infected or tumor cells. It is released from cytotoxic granules of immune cells and forms pores in targeted lipid membranes to deliver apoptosis-inducing granzymes. It is a very cytotoxic protein and is therefore adapted not to act in producing cells. Its activity is regulated by the requirement for calcium ions for optimal activity. However, the exact affinity of perforin for calcium ions has not yet been determined. We conducted a molecular dynamics simulation in the absence or presence of calcium ions that showed that binding of at least three calcium ions is required for stable perforin binding to the lipid membrane. Biophysical studies using surface plasmon resonance and microscale thermophoresis were then performed to estimate the binding affinities of native human and recombinant mouse perforin for calcium ions. Both approaches showed that mouse perforin has a several fold higher affinity for calcium ions than that of human perforin. This was attributed to a particular residue, tryptophan at position 488 in mouse perforin, which is replaced by arginine in human perforin. This represents an additional mechanism to control the activity of human perforin.

The redundancy and diversity between two novel PKC isotypes that regulate learning in Caenorhabditis elegans

The nematode Caenorhabditis elegans learns the concentration of NaCl and moves toward the previously experienced concentration. In this behavior, the history of NaCl concentration change is reflected in the level of diacylglycerol and the activity of protein kinase C, PKC-1, in the gustatory sensory neuron ASER and determines the direction of migration. Here, through a genetic screen, we found that the activation of Gq protein compensates for the behavioral defect of the loss-of-function mutant of pkc-1 We found that Gq activation results in hyperproduction of diacylglycerol in ASER sensory neuron, which leads to recruitment of TPA-1, an nPKC isotype closely related to PKC-1. Unlike the pkc-1 mutants, loss of tpa-1 did not obviously affect migration directions in the conventional learning assay. This difference was suggested to be due to cooperative functions of the C1 and C2-like domains of the nPKC isotypes. Furthermore, we investigated how the compensatory capability of tpa-1 contributes to learning and found that learning was less robust in the context of cognitive decline or environmental perturbation in tpa-1 mutants. These results highlight how two nPKC isotypes contribute to the learning system.

The binding of different model membranes with PKCε C2 domain is not dependent on membrane curvature but affects the sequence of events during unfolding

The C2 domain of novel protein kinases C (nPKC) binds to membranes in a Ca2+-independent way contributing to the activation of these enzymes. We have studied the C2 domain of one of these nPKCs, namely PKCε, and confirmed that it establishes a strong interaction with POPA, which is clearly visible through changes in chemical shifts detected through 31P-MAS-NMR and the protection that it exerts on the domain against thermal denaturation seen through DSC and FT-IR. In this study, using two-dimensional correlation analysis (2D-COS) applied to infrared spectra, we determined the sequence of events that occur during the thermal unfolding of the domain and highlighted some differences when phosphatidic acid or cardiolipin are present. Finally, by means of FRET and DLS experiments, we wanted to determine the effect of membrane curvature on the domain/membrane interaction by using lysophosphatidylcholine to introduce positive curvature as a control and we observed that the effect of these phospholipids on the protein binding is not exerted through the change of membrane curvature.

PKCε controls the fusion of secretory vesicles in mast cells in a phosphatidic acid-dependent mode

PKCε is highly expressed in mast cells and plays a fundamental role in the antigen-triggered activation of the allergic reaction. Although its regulation by diacylglycerols has been described, its regulation by acidic phospholipids and how this regulation leads to the control of downstream vesicle secretion is barely known. Here, we used structural and evolutionary studies to find the molecular mechanism that explains the selectivity of the C1B domain of PKCε by Phosphatidic Acid (PA). This resided in a collection of Arg residues that form a specific rim on the outer surface of the C1B domain, around the diacylglycerol binding cleft. In RBL-2H3 cells, this basic rim allowed the kinase to respond specifically to phosphatidic acid signals that induced its translocation to the plasma membrane and subsequent activation. Further experiments in cells that overexpress PKCε and a mutant of the PA binding site, showed that PA-dependent PKCε activation increased vesicle degranulation in RBL-2H3 cells, and this correlated with increased SNAP23 phosphorylation. Over-expression of PKCε in these cells also induced an increase in the number of docked vesicles containing SNAP23, when stimulated with PA. This accumulation could be attributed to the stabilizing effect of phosphorylation on the formation of the SNARE complex, which ultimately led to increased release of content in the presence of Ca²⁺ during the fusion process. Therefore, these findings reinforce the importance of PA signaling in the activation of PKCε, which could be an important target to inhibit the exacerbated responses of these cells in the allergic reaction.

The C2 domain of calpain 5 contributes to enzyme activation and membrane localization

The enzymatic characteristics of the ubiquitous calpain 5 (CAPN5) remain undescribed despite its high expression in the central nervous system and links to eye development and disease. CAPN5 contains the typical protease core domains but lacks the C terminal penta-EF hand domain of classical calpains, and instead contains a putative C2 domain. This study used the SH-SY5Y neuroblastoma cell line stably transfected with CAPN5-3xFLAG variants to assess the potential roles of the CAPN5 C2 domain in Ca²⁺ regulated enzyme activity and intracellular localization. Calcium dependent autoproteolysis of CAPN5 was documented and characterized. Mutation of the catalytic Cys81 to Ala or addition of EGTA prevented autolysis. Eighty μM Ca²⁺ was sufficient to stimulate half-maximal CAPN5 autolysis in cellular lysates. CAPN5 autolysis was inhibited by tri-leucine peptidyl aldehydes, but less effectively by di-Leu aldehydes, consistent with a more open conformation of the protease core relative to classical calpains. In silico modeling revealed a type II topology C2 domain including loops with the potential to bind calcium. Mutation of the acidic amino acid residues predicted to participate in Ca²⁺ binding, particularly Asp531 and Asp589, resulted in a decrease of CAPN5 membrane association. These residues were also found to be invariant in several genomes. The autolytic fragment of CAPN5 was prevalent in membrane-enriched fractions, but not in cytosolic fractions, suggesting that membrane association facilitates the autoproteolytic activity of CAPN5. Together, these results demonstrate that CAPN5 undergoes Ca²⁺-activated autoproteolytic processing and suggest that CAPN5 association with membranes enhances CAPN5 autolysis.

Cytochrome c nitrite reductase from the bacterium Geobacter lovleyi represents a new NrfA subclass

Cytochrome c nitrite reductase (NrfA) catalyzes the reduction of nitrite to ammonium in the dissimilatory nitrate reduction to ammonium (DNRA) pathway, a process that competes with denitrification, conserves nitrogen, and minimizes nutrient loss in soils. The environmental bacterium Geobacter lovleyi has recently been recognized as a key driver of DNRA in nature, but its enzymatic pathway is still uncharacterized. To address this limitation, here we overexpressed, purified, and characterized G. lovleyi NrfA. We observed that the enzyme crystallizes as a dimer but remains monomeric in solution. Importantly, its crystal structure at 2.55-Å resolution revealed the presence of an arginine residue in the region otherwise occupied by calcium in canonical NrfA enzymes. The presence of EDTA did not affect the activity of G. lovleyi NrfA, and site-directed mutagenesis of this arginine reduced enzymatic activity to <3% of the WT levels. Phylogenetic analysis revealed four separate emergences of Arg-containing NrfA enzymes. Thus, the Ca²⁺-independent, Arg-containing NrfA from G. lovleyi represents a new subclass of cytochrome c nitrite reductase. Most genera from the exclusive clades of Arg-containing NrfA proteins are also represented in clades containing Ca²⁺-dependent enzymes, suggesting convergent evolution.

The crystal structure of Arabidopsis BON1 provides insights into the copine protein family

The Arabidopsis thaliana BON1 gene product is a member of the evolutionary conserved eukaryotic calcium-dependent membrane-binding protein family. The copine protein is composed of two C2 domains (C2A and C2B) followed by a vWA domain. The BON1 protein is localized on the plasma membrane, and is known to suppress the expression of immune receptor genes and to positively regulate stomatal closure. The first structure of this protein family has been determined to 2.5-Å resolution and shows the structural features of the three conserved domains C2A, C2B and vWA. The structure reveals the third Ca²⁺ -binding region in C2A domain is longer than classical C2 domains and a novel Ca²⁺ binding site in the vWA domain. The structure of BON1 bound to Mn²⁺ is also presented. The binding of the C2 domains to phospholipid (PSF) has been modeled and provides an insight into the lipid-binding mechanism of the copine proteins. Furthermore, the selectivity of the separate C2A and C2B domains and intact BON1 to bind to different phospholipids has been investigated, and we demonstrated that BON1 could mediate aggregation of liposomes in response to Ca²⁺ . These studies have formed the basis of further investigations into the important role that the copine proteins play in vivo.

PbrPCCP1 mediates the PbrTTS1 signaling to control pollen tube growth in pear

In plants, genes containing the C2 domain have been identified and play a crucial role in many key physiological processes. One hundred and sixty-six genes containing a C2 domain were identified in pear and 38 genes contained multiple C2 domains. Whole genome duplication and tandem duplication events were the major forces driving the C2 superfamily expansion, and C2 superfamily members have evolved under negative selection. There were 104 C2 genes expressed during pollen tube growth. Here, we identified Pbr028378.1 containing the C2 domain from pear and named it PbrPCCP1. PbrPCCP1 was localized in the plasma membrane and mainly expressed in pollen. PbrPCCP1 interacted with PbrTTS1, which contained a Cys-rich C-terminal domain, and promoted pollen tube growth. The Pollen ole e I domain of PbrTTS1 was responsible for its interaction. Additionally, pollen tube growth was inhibited and the promoting effect of PbrTTS1 was attenuated when PbrPCCP1 expression level was knocked-down by antisense oligonucleotides. The qRT-PCR results indicated that PbrPCCP1 and PbrTTS1 expression levels were consistently present in the style after pollination, and their expression levels were up-regulated within 24 h. This implied that they could co-regulate pollen tube growth when the pollen tube grew in the pistil.

Phosphatidic acid in membrane rearrangements

Phosphatidic acid (PA) is the simplest cellular glycerophospholipid characterized by unique biophysical properties: a small headgroup; negative charge; and a phosphomonoester group. Upon interaction with lysine or arginine, PA charge increases from -1 to -2 and this change stabilizes protein-lipid interactions. The biochemical properties of PA also allow interactions with lipids in several subcellular compartments. Based on this feature, PA is involved in the regulation and amplification of many cellular signalling pathways and functions, as well as in membrane rearrangements. Thereby, PA can influence membrane fusion and fission through four main mechanisms: it is a substrate for enzymes producing lipids (lysophosphatidic acid and diacylglycerol) that are involved in fission or fusion; it contributes to membrane rearrangements by generating negative membrane curvature; it interacts with proteins required for membrane fusion and fission; and it activates enzymes whose products are involved in membrane rearrangements. Here, we discuss the biophysical properties of PA in the context of the above four roles of PA in membrane fusion and fission.

PKC and PKN in heart disease

The protein kinase C (PKC) and closely related protein kinase N (PKN) families of serine/threonine protein kinases play crucial cellular roles. Both kinases belong to the AGC subfamily of protein kinases that also include the cAMP dependent protein kinase (PKA), protein kinase B (PKB/AKT), protein kinase G (PKG) and the ribosomal protein S6 kinase (S6K). Involvement of PKC family members in heart disease has been well documented over the years, as their activity and levels are mis-regulated in several pathological heart conditions, such as ischemia, diabetic cardiomyopathy, as well as hypertrophic or dilated cardiomyopathy. This review focuses on the regulation of PKCs and PKNs in different pathological heart conditions and on the influences that PKC/PKN activation has on several physiological processes. In addition, we discuss mechanisms by which PKCs and the closely related PKNs are activated and turned-off in hearts, how they regulate cardiac specific downstream targets and pathways, and how their inhibition by small molecules is explored as new therapeutic target to treat cardiomyopathies and heart failure.

Characterisation of peptide interactions that regulate PKCε activation

Targeting the interaction between PKC isoforms and their anchoring proteins can specifically regulate kinase activity. εV1-2 and pseudoεRACK peptides, derived from the PKCε C2 domain, modulate its association with receptor for activated C-kinase 2 (RACK2) and thus its function. Details of these interactions remain obscure, and we therefore investigated binding of these peptides using biophysical techniques. Surface plasmon resonance (SPR) indicated that the inhibitory εV1-2 peptide bound to RACK2, and inhibited PKCε binding as expected. In contrast, SPR and NMR demonstrated that the activating pseudoεRACK peptide and related sequences did not bind to PKCε, indicating that their mechanisms of action do not involve binding to the kinase as previously proposed. Our results clarify which interactions could be targeted in developing new therapeutics that inhibit PKCε-RACK2 interaction.

Insights into DDT Resistance from the Drosophila melanogaster Genetic Reference Panel

Insecticide resistance is considered a classic model of microevolution, where a strong selective agent is applied to a large natural population, resulting in a change in frequency of alleles that confer resistance. While many insecticide resistance variants have been characterized at the gene level, they are typically single genes of large effect identified in highly resistant pest species. In contrast, multiple variants have been implicated in DDT resistance in Drosophila melanogaster; however, only the Cyp6g1 locus has previously been shown to be relevant to field populations. Here we use genome-wide association studies (GWAS) to identify DDT-associated polygenes and use selective sweep analyses to assess their adaptive significance. We identify and verify two candidate DDT resistance loci. A largely uncharacterized gene, CG10737, has a function in muscles that ameliorates the effects of DDT, while a putative detoxifying P450, Cyp6w1, shows compelling evidence of positive selection.

Design and synthesis of triarylacrylonitrile analogues of tamoxifen with improved binding selectivity to protein kinase C

The clinical selective estrogen receptor modulator tamoxifen is also a modest inhibitor of protein kinase C, a target implicated in several untreatable brain diseases such as amphetamine abuse. This inhibition and tamoxifen's ability to cross the blood brain barrier make it an attractive scaffold to conduct further SAR studies toward uncovering effective therapies for such diseases. Utilizing the known compound 6a as a starting template and guided by computational tools to derive physicochemical properties known to be important for CNS permeable drugs, the design and synthesis of a small series of novel triarylacrylonitrile analogues have been carried out providing compounds with enhanced potency and selectivity for PKC over the estrogen receptor relative to tamoxifen. Shortened synthetic routes compared to classical procedures have been developed for analogues incorporating a β-phenyl ring, which involve installing dialkylaminoalkoxy side chains first off the α and/or α' rings of a precursor benzophenone and then condensing the resultant ketones with phenylacetonitrile anion. A second novel, efficient and versatile route utilizing Suzuki chemistry has also been developed, which will allow for the introduction of a wide range of β-aryl or β-heteroaryl moieties and side-chain substituents onto the acrylonitrile core. For analogues possessing a single side chain off the α- or α'-ring, novel 2D NMR experiments have been carried out that allow for unambiguous assignment of E- and Z-stereochemistry. From the SAR analysis, one compound, 6c, shows markedly increased potency and selectivity for inhibiting PKC with an IC₅₀ of 80nM for inhibition of PKC protein substrate and >10μM for binding to the estrogen receptor α (tamoxifen IC₅₀=20μM and 222nM, respectively). The data on 6c provide support for further exploration of PKC as a druggable target for the treatment of amphetamine abuse.

Calcium-dependent oligomerization of CAR proteins at cell membrane modulates ABA signaling

Regulation of ion transport in plants is essential for cell function. Abiotic stress unbalances cell ion homeostasis, and plants tend to readjust it, regulating membrane transporters and channels. The plant hormone abscisic acid (ABA) and the second messenger Ca(2+) are central in such processes, as they are involved in the regulation of protein kinases and phosphatases that control ion transport activity in response to environmental stimuli. The identification and characterization of the molecular mechanisms underlying the effect of ABA and Ca(2+) signaling pathways on membrane function are central and could provide opportunities for crop improvement. The C2-domain ABA-related (CAR) family of small proteins is involved in the Ca(2+)-dependent recruitment of the pyrabactin resistance 1/PYR1-like (PYR/PYL) ABA receptors to the membrane. However, to fully understand CAR function, it is necessary to define a molecular mechanism that integrates Ca(2+) sensing, membrane interaction, and the recognition of the PYR/PYL interacting partners. We present structural and biochemical data showing that CARs are peripheral membrane proteins that functionally cluster on the membrane and generate strong positive membrane curvature in a Ca(2+)-dependent manner. These features represent a mechanism for the generation, stabilization, and/or specific recognition of membrane discontinuities. Such structures may act as signaling platforms involved in the recruitment of PYR/PYL receptors and other signaling components involved in cell responses to stress.

Site-directed Mutagenesis Shows the Significance of Interactions with Phospholipids and the G-protein OsYchF1 for the Physiological Functions of the Rice GTPase-activating Protein 1 (OsGAP1)

The C2 domain is one of the most diverse phospholipid-binding domains mediating cellular signaling. One group of C2-domain proteins are plant-specific and are characterized by their small sizes and simple structures. We have previously reported that a member of this group, OsGAP1, is able to alleviate salt stress and stimulate defense responses, and bind to both phospholipids and an unconventional G-protein, OsYchF1. Here we solved the crystal structure of OsGAP1 to a resolution of 1.63 Å. Using site-directed mutagenesis, we successfully differentiated between the clusters of surface residues that are required for binding to phospholipids versus OsYchF1, which, in turn, is critical for its role in stimulating defense responses. On the other hand, the ability to alleviate salt stress by OsGAP1 is dependent only on its ability to bind OsYchF1 and is independent of its phospholipid-binding activity.

Structural insights into the interactions of phorbol ester and bryostatin complexed with protein kinase C: a comparative molecular dynamics simulation study

Protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes are important regulatory enzymes that have been implicated in many diseases, including cancer, Alzheimer's disease, and in the eradication of HIV/AIDS. Given their potential clinical ramifications, PKC modulators, e.g. phorbol esters and bryostatin, are also of great interest in the drug development. However, structural details on the binding between PKC and its modulators, especially bryostatin - the highly potent and non-tumor promoting activator for PKCs, are still lacking. Here, we report the first comparative molecular dynamics study aimed at gaining structural insight into the mechanisms by which the PKC delta cys2 activator domain is used in its binding to phorbol ester and bryostatin-1. As anticipated in the phorbol ester binding, hydrogen bonds are formed through the backbone atoms of Thr242, Leu251, and Gly253 of PKC. However, the opposition of H-bond formation between Thr242 and Gly253 may cause the phorbol ester complex to become less stable when compared with the bryostatin binding. For the PKC delta-bryostatin complex, hydrogen bonds are formed between the Gly253 backbone carbonyl and the C30 carbomethoxy substituent of the ligand. Additionally, the indole Nε1 of the highly homologous Trp252 also forms an H-bond to the C20 ester group on bryostatin. Backbone fluctuations also suggest that this latter H-bond formation may abrogate the transient interaction between Trp252 and His269, thus dampening the fluctuations observed on the nearby Zn(2+)-coordinating residues. This new dynamic fluctuation dampening model can potentially benefit future design of new PKC modulators.

C2 domains as protein-protein interaction modules in the ciliary transition zone

RPGR-interacting protein 1 (RPGRIP1) is mutated in the eye disease Leber congenital amaurosis (LCA) and its structural homolog, RPGRIP1-like (RPGRIP1L), is mutated in many different ciliopathies. Both are multidomain proteins that are predicted to interact with retinitis pigmentosa G-protein regulator (RPGR). RPGR is mutated in X-linked retinitis pigmentosa and is located in photoreceptors and primary cilia. We solved the crystal structure of the complex between the RPGR-interacting domain (RID) of RPGRIP1 and RPGR and demonstrate that RPGRIP1L binds to RPGR similarly. RPGRIP1 binding to RPGR affects the interaction with PDEδ, the cargo shuttling factor for prenylated ciliary proteins. RPGRIP1-RID is a C2 domain with a canonical β sandwich structure that does not bind Ca(2+) and/or phospholipids and thus constitutes a unique type of protein-protein interaction module. Judging from the large number of C2 domains in most of the ciliary transition zone proteins identified thus far, the structure presented here seems to constitute a cilia-specific module that is present in multiprotein transition zone complexes.

Signaling through C2 domains: more than one lipid target

C2 domains are membrane-binding modules that share a common overall fold: a single compact Greek-key motif organized as an eight-stranded anti-parallel β-sandwich consisting of a pair of four-stranded β-sheets. A myriad of studies have demonstrated that in spite of sharing the common structural β-sandwich core, slight variations in the residues located in the interconnecting loops confer C2 domains with functional abilities to respond to different Ca(2+) concentrations and lipids, and to signal through protein-protein interactions as well. This review summarizes the main structural and functional findings on Ca(2+) and lipid interactions by C2 domains, including the discovery of the phosphoinositide-binding site located in the β3-β4 strands. The wide variety of functions, together with the different Ca(2+) and lipid affinities of these domains, converts this superfamily into a crucial player in many functions in the cell and more to be discovered. This Article is Part of a Special Issue Entitled: Membrane Structure and Function: Relevance in the Cell's Physiology, Pathology and Therapy.

Dissecting the molecular mechanism underlying the intimate relationship between cellulose microfibrils and cortical microtubules

A central question in plant cell development is how the cell wall determines directional cell expansion and therefore the final shape of the cell. As the major load-bearing component of the cell wall, cellulose microfibrils are laid down transversely to the axis of elongation, thus forming a spring-like structure that reinforces the cell laterally and while favoring longitudinal expansion in most growing cells. Mounting evidence suggests that cortical microtubules organize the deposition of cellulose microfibrils, but the precise molecular mechanisms linking microtubules to cellulose organization have remained unclear until the recent discovery of cellulose synthase interactive protein 1 , a linker protein between the cortical microtubules and the cellulose biosynthesizing machinery. In this review, we will focus on the intimate relationship between cellulose microfibrils and cortical microtubules, in particular, we will discuss microtubule arrangement and cell wall architecture, the linkage between cellulose synthase complexes and microtubules, and the feedback mechanisms between cell wall and microtubules.

Alternate splicing of dysferlin C2A confers Ca²⁺-dependent and Ca²⁺-independent binding for membrane repair

Dysferlin plays a critical role in the Ca²⁺-dependent repair of microlesions that occur in the muscle sarcolemma. Of the seven C2 domains in dysferlin, only C2A is reported to bind both Ca²⁺ and phospholipid, thus acting as a key sensor in membrane repair. Dysferlin C2A exists as two isoforms, the "canonical" C2A and C2A variant 1 (C2Av1). Interestingly, these isoforms have markedly different responses to Ca²⁺ and phospholipid. Structural and thermodynamic analyses are consistent with the canonical C2A domain as a Ca²⁺-dependent, phospholipid-binding domain, whereas C2Av1 would likely be Ca²⁺-independent under physiological conditions. Additionally, both isoforms display remarkably low free energies of stability, indicative of a highly flexible structure. The inverted ligand preference and flexibility for both C2A isoforms suggest the capability for both constitutive and Ca²⁺-regulated effector interactions, an activity that would be essential in its role as a mediator of membrane repair.

Autophosphorylation of the C2 domain inhibits translocation of the novel protein kinase C (nPKC) Apl II

Protein kinase Cs (PKCs) are critical signaling molecules controlled by complex regulatory pathways. Herein, we describe an important regulatory role for C2 domain phosphorylation. Novel PKCs (nPKCs) contain an N-terminal C2 domain that cannot bind to calcium. Previously, we described an autophosphorylation site in the Aplysia novel PKC Apl II that increased the binding of the C2 domain to lipids. In this study, we show that the function of this phosphorylation is to inhibit PKC translocation. Indeed, a phosphomimetic serine-glutamic acid mutation reduced translocation of PKC Apl II while blocking phosphorylation with a serine-alanine mutation enhanced translocation and led to the persistence of the kinase at the membrane longer after the end of the stimulation. Consistent with a role for autophosphorylation in regulating kinase translocation, inhibiting PKC activity using bisindolymaleimide 1 increased physiological translocation of PKC Apl II, whereas inhibiting phosphatase activity using calyculin A inhibited physiological translocation of PKC Apl II in neurons. Our results suggest a major role for autophosphorylation-dependent regulation of translocation.

The role of C2 domains in PKC signaling

More than two decades ago, the discovery of the first C2 domain in conventional Protein Kinase Cs (cPKCs) and of its role as a calcium-binding motif began to shed light on the activation mechanism of this family of Serine/Threonine kinases which are involved in several critical signal transduction pathways. In this chapter, we review the current knowledge of the structure and the function of the different C2 domains in PKCs. The C2 domain of cPKCs is a calcium sensor and its calcium-dependent binding to phospholipids is crucial for kinase activation. While the functional role of the cPKC C2 domain is better understood, phylogenetic analysis revealed that the novel C2 domain is more ancient and related to the C2 domain in the fungal PKC family, while the cPKC C2 domain is first associated with PKC in metazoans. The C2 domain of novel PKCs (nPKCs) does not contain a calcium-binding motif but still plays a critical role in nPKCs activation by regulating C1-C2 domain interactions and consequently C2 domain-mediated inhibition in both the nPKCs of the epsilon family and the nPKCs of the delta family. Moreover, the C2 domain of the nPKCs of the delta family was shown to recognize phosphotyrosines in a novel mode different from the ones observed for the Src Homology 2 (SH2) and the phosphotyrosine binding domains (PTB). By binding to phosphotyrosines, the C2 domain regulates the activation of this subclass of PKCs. The C2 domain was also shown to be involved in protein-protein interactions and binding to the receptor for activated C-kinase (RACKs) thus contributing to the subcellular localization of PKCs. In summary, the C2 domain is a critical player that can sense the activated signaling pathway in response to external stimuli to specifically regulate the different conventional and novel PKC isoforms.

Protein kinase Cθ C2 domain is a phosphotyrosine binding module that plays a key role in its activation

Protein kinase Cθ (PKCθ) is a novel PKC that plays a key role in T lymphocyte activation. To understand how PKCθ is regulated in T cells, we investigated the properties of its N-terminal C2 domain that functions as an autoinhibitory domain. Our measurements show that a Tyr(P)-containing peptide derived from CDCP1 binds the C2 domain of PKCθ with high affinity and activates the enzyme activity of the intact protein. The Tyr(P) peptide also binds the C2 domain of PKCδ tightly, but no enzyme activation was observed with PKCδ. Mutations of PKCθ-C2 residues involved in Tyr(P) binding abrogated the enzyme activation and association of PKCθ with Tyr-phosphorylated full-length CDCP1 and severely inhibited the T cell receptor/CD28-mediated activation of a PKCθ-dependent reporter gene in T cells. Collectively, these studies establish the C2 domain of PKCθ as a Tyr(P)-binding domain and suggest that the domain may play a major role in PKCθ activation via its Tyr(P) binding.

A new mechanism of action of a C2 domain-derived novel PKC inhibitor peptide

Novel protein kinase Cs (nPKCs) contain an N-terminal C2 domain that cannot bind to calcium. We have previously shown that the Aplysia novel PKC Apl II's C2 domain inhibits binding of diacylglycerol (DAG) to the C1 domain and that this inhibition is removed by phosphatidic acid (PA) binding to the C1b domain. Another model for C2 domain regulation of nPKCs suggests that the C2 domain binds to receptors for activated C kinase (RACKs) to assist in kinase translocation and activation. In the present study, we examined how a pharmacological peptide derived from RACK-binding site in the vertebrate novel PKCɛ regulates translocation of PKC Apl II from the cytosol to the plasma membrane. We found that a C2 domain-derived inhibitor peptide inhibited PKC Apl II translocation. This inhibition was removed by R273H mutation in the C1b domain and by phosphatidic acid, which can both remove C2-domain mediated inhibition suggesting that the peptide can regulate C1-C2 domain interactions.

PKC-delta and PKC-epsilon: foes of the same family or strangers?

Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of 10 serine/threonine kinases divided into 3 subfamilies, classical, novel and atypical classes. Two PKC isozymes of the novel group, PKCε and PKCδ, have different and sometimes opposite effects. PKCε stimulates cell growth and differentiation while PKCδ is apoptotic. In the heart, they are among the most expressed PKC isozymes and they are opposed in the preconditioning process with a positive role of PKCε and an inhibiting role of PKCδ. The goal of this review is to analyze the structural differences of these 2 enzymes that may explain their different behaviors and properties.

Rice OsERG3 encodes an unusual small C2-domain protein containing a Ca(2+)-binding module but lacking phospholipid-binding properties

BACKGROUND

The C2 domain is a Ca(2+)/phospholipid-binding motif found in many proteins involved in signal transduction or membrane trafficking. OsERG3 is a homolog of OsERG1, a gene encoding a small C2-domain protein in rice.

METHODS

OsERG3 Ca(2+)-binding and phospholipid-binding assays were carried out using (3)H-labeled phospholipid liposomes and a (45)Ca(2+) overlay assay, respectively. Cytosolic expression of OsERG3 was investigated by Western blot analysis and the OsERG3::smGFP transient expression assay.

RESULTS

OsERG3 transcript levels were greatly enhanced by treatment with a fungal elicitor and Ca(2+)-ionophore. OsERG3 protein proved unable to interact with phospholipids regardless of the presence or absence of Ca(2+) ions. Nonetheless, OsERG3 displayed calcium-binding activity in an in vitro(45)Ca(2+)-binding assay, a property not observed with OsERG1. The cytosolic location of OsERG3 was not altered by the presence of fungal elicitor or Ca(2+)-ionophore.

CONCLUSIONS

OsERG3 encodes a small C2-domain protein consisting of a single C2 domain. OsERG3 binds Ca(2+) ions but not phospholipids. OsERG3 is a cytosolic soluble protein. The OsERG3 gene may play a role in signaling pathway involving Ca(2+) ions.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

The data demonstrate that OsERG3 is an unusual small C2-domain protein containing a Ca(2+)-binding module but lacking phospholipid-binding properties.

The C2 domain of Tollip, a Toll-like receptor signalling regulator, exhibits broad preference for phosphoinositides

TLRs (Toll-like receptors) provide a mechanism for host defence immune responses. Activated TLRs lead to the recruitment of adaptor proteins to their cytosolic tails, which in turn promote the activation of IRAKs (interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinases). IRAKs act upon their transcription factor targets to influence the expression of genes involved in the immune response. Tollip (Toll-interacting protein) modulates IRAK function in the TLR signalling pathway. Tollip is multimodular, with a conserved C2 domain of unknown function. We found that the Tollip C2 domain preferentially interacts with phosphoinositides, most notably with PtdIns3P (phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate) and PtdIns(4,5)P2 (phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate), in a Ca2+-independent manner. However, NMR analysis demonstrates that the Tollip C2 domain binds Ca2+, which may be required to target the membrane interface. NMR and lipid–protein overlay analyses suggest that PtdIns3P and PtdIns(4,5)P2 share interacting residues in the protein. Kinetic studies reveal that the C2 domain reversibly binds PtdIns3P and PtdIns(4,5)P2, with affinity values in the low micromolar range. Mutational analysis identifies key PtdIns3P- and PtdIns(4,5)P2-binding conserved basic residues in the protein. Our findings suggest that basic residues of the C2 domain mediate membrane targeting of Tollip by interaction with phosphoinositides, which contribute to the observed partition of the protein in different subcellular compartments.

Crystal structure and allosteric activation of protein kinase C βII

Protein kinase C (PKC) isozymes are the paradigmatic effectors of lipid signaling. PKCs translocate to cell membranes and are allosterically activated upon binding of the lipid diacylglycerol to their C1A and C1B domains. The crystal structure of full-length protein kinase C βII was determined at 4.0 Å, revealing the conformation of an unexpected intermediate in the activation pathway. Here, the kinase active site is accessible to substrate, yet the conformation of the active site corresponds to a low-activity state because the ATP-binding side chain of Phe629 of the conserved NFD motif is displaced. The C1B domain clamps the NFD helix in a low-activity conformation, which is reversed upon membrane binding. A low-resolution solution structure of the closed conformation of PKCβII was derived from small-angle X-ray scattering. Together, these results show how PKCβII is allosterically regulated in two steps, with the second step defining a novel protein kinase regulatory mechanism.

Cloning, expression and functional characterization of the C2 domain from tomato phospholipase Dα

C2 domains exist as highly conserved N-terminal or C-terminal calcium- and lipid-binding motifs comprising nearly 130 amino acids, responsible for recruiting proteins to the membrane during signal transduction. In this study, the sequence corresponding to the N-terminal 164 amino acids of a full length cDNA of phospholipase Dα from tomato fruit was cloned in pET28(b) vector and expressed in E. coli as a His-tagged protein. Recombinant C2 domain showed micromolar affinity towards Ca(++) with a maximum of 2 high affinity binding sites. Interaction of C2 domain with synthetic unilamellar vesicles, evaluated by protein- lipid fluorescence resonance energy transfer, showed maximum affinity towards phosphatidic acid, and virtually no binding with phosphatidylcholine. The binding towards phosphoinositides was reduced with increasing degree of phosphorylation. Acid- and chaotropic salt- titrations indicated an electrostatic, rather than a hydrophobic mode of interaction between C2 domain and the phospholipid vesicles. Conformational analyses of the recombinant C2 domain showed a much longer calcium binding loop region, a far less electropositive phosphoinositide-binding region, unique calcium binding pockets with high electro-negativity, and other features that are distinct from the typical C2 domains of phospholipase A2 and Protein kinase C α, signifying the uniqueness of Phospholipase Dα in fruit developmental events.

Cellulose synthase interacting protein: a new factor in cellulose synthesis

Cellulose is the most abundant biopolymer on earth. The great abundance of cellulose places it at the forefront as a primary source of biomass for renewable biofuels. However, the knowledge of how plant cells make cellulose remains very rudimentary. Cellulose microfibrils are synthesized at the plasma membrane by hexameric protein complexes, also known as cellulose synthase complexes. The only known components of cellulose synthase complexes are cellulose synthase (CESA) proteins until the recent identification of a novel component. CSI1, which encodes CESA interacting protein 1 (CSI1) in Arabidopsis. CSI1, as the first non-CESA proteins associated with cellulose synthase complexes, opens up many opportunities.

Identification of a cellulose synthase-associated protein required for cellulose biosynthesis

Cellulose synthase-interactive protein 1 (CSI1) was identified in a two-hybrid screen for proteins that interact with cellulose synthase (CESA) isoforms involved in primary plant cell wall synthesis. CSI1 encodes a 2,150-amino acid protein that contains 10 predicted Armadillo repeats and a C2 domain. Mutations in CSI1 cause defective cell elongation in hypocotyls and roots and reduce cellulose content. CSI1 is associated with CESA complexes, and csi1 mutants affect the distribution and movement of CESA complexes in the plasma membrane.

Highly Specific Modulators of Protein Kinase C Localization: Applications to Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) in which the blood supply does not match the body's needs, affects 10% of the population over 65 years old. The protein kinase C (PKC) family of kinases has a key role in normal and disease states. Here we discuss the role of PKC in HF and focus on the use of specific PKC regulators to identify the mechanism leading to this Pathology and potential leads for therapeutics.

The C2 domains of classical and novel PKCs as versatile decoders of membrane signals

The C2 domains of classical and novel protein kinases C play a very important role in decoding signals, which trigger the translocation of these enzymes to the plasma membrane and/or other membrane subcellular compartments. The C2 domain of classical PKCs has a long reputation as a paradigm of protein responding to intracytosolic Ca2+ elevations through a calcium-binding region, where this cation acts as a bridge with the phosphatidylserine located in the inner leaflet of the plasma membrane. However, more recently, it has been discovered that a second site on the C2 domain interacts specifically with the phosphoinositide, PtdIns(4,5)P(2). Furthermore, several in vivo studies have shown that both calcium and PtdIns(4,5)P(2)-interacting regions are essential for the translocation of classical PKCs to the membrane. Other molecules like arachidonic and retinoic acid have also been observed to bind to these domains, modulating the activity of classical PKCs. The C2 domains of novel PKCs, on the other hand, were supposed to play only a secondary role with respect to the C1 domain in the activation process of these enzymes. New insights reveal that these C2 domains may also receive regulatory inputs and play an important role in the localization and activation of these enzymes. In this way, the C2 domain of PKCepsilon has been observed to respond to phosphatidic acid and to act together with the C1 domain in the membrane anchorage and activation of the protein. These domains are also regulated by lipid-independent events like protein-protein interactions and phosphorylation. In this review we will focus in describing the recent findings on structural and functional properties of the C2 domains of PKCs, mainly as lipid-interacting modules able to integrate a wide variety of signals in the cell.

Modular synthesis of biologically active phosphatidic acid probes using click chemistry

Phosphatidic acid (PA) is an important signaling lipid that plays roles in a range of biological processes including both physiological and pathophysiological events. PA is one of a number of signaling lipids that can act as site-specific ligands for protein receptors in binding events that enforce membrane association and generally regulate both receptor function and subcellular localization. However, elucidation of the full scope of PA activities has proven problematic, primarily due to the lack of a consensus sequence among PA-binding receptors. Thus, experimental approaches, such as those employing lipid probes, are necessary for characterizing interactions at the molecular level. Herein, we describe an efficient modular approach to the synthesis of a range of PA probes that employs a late stage introduction of reporter groups. This strategy was exploited in the synthesis of PA probes bearing fluorescent and photoaffinity tags as well as a bifunctional probe containing both a photoaffinity moiety and an azide as a secondary handle for purification purposes. To discern the ability of these PA analogs to mimic the natural lipid in protein-binding properties, each compound was incorporated into vesicles for binding studies using a known PA receptor, the C2 domain of PKCalpha. In these studies, each compound exhibited binding properties that were comparable to those of synthetic PA, indicating their viability as probes for effectively studying the activities of PA in cellular processes.

A pollen protein, NaPCCP, that binds pistil arabinogalactan proteins also binds phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate and associates with the pollen tube endomembrane system

As pollen tubes grow toward the ovary, they are in constant contact with the pistil extracellular matrix (ECM). ECM components are taken up during growth, and some pistil molecules exert their effect inside the pollen tube. For instance, the Nicotiana alata 120-kD glycoprotein (120K) is an abundant arabinogalactan protein that is taken up from the ECM; it has been detected in association with pollen tube vacuoles, but the transport pathway between these compartments is unknown. We recently identified a pollen C2 domain-containing protein (NaPCCP) that binds to the carboxyl-terminal domain of 120K. As C2 domain proteins mediate protein-lipid interactions, NaPCCP could function in intracellular transport of 120K in pollen tubes. Here, we describe binding studies showing that the NaPCCP C2 domain is functional and that binding is specific for phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate. Subcellular fractionation, immunolocalization, and live imaging results show that NaPCCP is associated with the plasma membrane and internal pollen tube vesicles. Colocalization between an NaPCCPgreen fluorescent protein fusion and internalized FM4-64 suggest an association with the endosomal system. NaPCCP localization is altered in pollen tubes rejected by the self-incompatibility mechanism, but our hypothesis is that it has a general function in the transport of endocytic cargo rather than a specific function in self-incompatibility. NaPCCP represents a bifunctional protein with both phosphatidylinositol 3-phosphate- and arabinogalactan protein-binding domains. Therefore, it could function in the transport of pistil ECM proteins in the pollen tube endomembrane system.

Rationally designed peptide regulators of protein kinase C

Protein-protein interactions sequester enzymes close to their substrates. Protein kinase C (PKC) is one example of a ubiquitous signaling molecule with effects that are dependent upon localization. Short peptides derived from interaction sites between each PKC isozyme and its receptor for activated C kinase act as highly specific inhibitors and have become available as selective drugs in basic research and animal models of human diseases, such as myocardial infarction and hyperglycemia. Whereas the earlier inhibitory peptides are highly specific, we believe that peptides targeting additional interactions between PKC and selective substrates will generate even more selective tools that regulate different functions of individual isozymes. Here, we discuss the methodologies and applications for identifying selective regulators of PKC.

Structural basis of protein kinase C isoform function

Protein kinase C (PKC) isoforms comprise a family of lipid-activated enzymes that have been implicated in a wide range of cellular functions. PKCs are modular enzymes comprised of a regulatory domain (that contains the membrane-targeting motifs that respond to lipid cofactors, and in the case of some PKCs calcium) and a relatively conserved catalytic domain that binds ATP and substrates. These enzymes are coexpressed and respond to similar stimulatory agonists in many cell types. However, there is growing evidence that individual PKC isoforms subserve unique (and in some cases opposing) functions in cells, at least in part as a result of isoform-specific subcellular compartmentalization patterns, protein-protein interactions, and posttranslational modifications that influence catalytic function. This review focuses on the structural basis for differences in lipid cofactor responsiveness for individual PKC isoforms, the regulatory phosphorylations that control the normal maturation, activation, signaling function, and downregulation of these enzymes, and the intra-/intermolecular interactions that control PKC isoform activation and subcellular targeting in cells. A detailed understanding of the unique molecular features that underlie isoform-specific posttranslational modification patterns, protein-protein interactions, and subcellular targeting (i.e., that impart functional specificity) should provide the basis for the design of novel PKC isoform-specific activator or inhibitor compounds that can achieve therapeutically useful changes in PKC signaling in cells.

C2 domain protein MIN1 promotes eyespot organization in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii

Assembly and asymmetric localization of the photosensory eyespot in the biflagellate, unicellular green alga Chlamydomonas reinhardtii requires coordinated organization of photoreceptors in the plasma membrane and pigment granule/thylakoid membrane layers in the chloroplast. min1 (mini-eyed) mutant cells contain abnormally small, disorganized eyespots in which the chloroplast envelope and plasma membrane are no longer apposed. The MIN1 gene, identified here by phenotypic rescue, encodes a protein with an N-terminal C2 domain and a C-terminal LysM domain separated by a transmembrane sequence. This novel domain architecture led to the hypothesis that MIN1 is in the plasma membrane or the chloroplast envelope, where membrane association of the C2 domain promotes proper eyespot organization. Mutation of conserved C2 domain loop residues disrupted association of the MIN1 C2 domain with the chloroplast envelope in moss cells but did not abolish eyespot assembly in Chlamydomonas. In min1 null cells, channelrhodopsin-1 (ChR1) photoreceptor levels were reduced, indicating a role for MIN1 in ChR1 expression and/or stability. However, ChR1 localization was only minimally disturbed during photoautotrophic growth of min1 cells, conditions under which the pigment granule layers are disorganized. The data are consistent with the hypothesis that neither MIN1 nor proper organization of the plastidic components of the eyespot is essential for localization of ChR1.

Physiological role for phosphatidic acid in the translocation of the novel protein kinase C Apl II in Aplysia neurons

In Aplysia californica, the serotonin-mediated translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) Apl II to neuronal membranes is important for synaptic plasticity. The orthologue of PKC Apl II, PKCepsilon, has been reported to require phosphatidic acid (PA) in conjunction with diacylglycerol (DAG) for translocation. We find that PKC Apl II can be synergistically translocated to membranes by the combination of DAG and PA. We identify a mutation in the C1b domain (arginine 273 to histidine; PKC Apl II-R273H) that removes the effects of exogenous PA. In Aplysia neurons, the inhibition of endogenous PA production by 1-butanol inhibited the physiological translocation of PKC Apl II by serotonin in the cell body and at the synapse but not the translocation of PKC Apl II-R273H. The translocation of PKC Apl II-R273H in the absence of PA was explained by two additional effects of this mutation: (i) the mutation removed C2 domain-mediated inhibition, and (ii) the mutation decreased the concentration of DAG required for PKC Apl II translocation. We present a model in which, under physiological conditions, PA is important to activate the novel PKC Apl II both by synergizing with DAG and removing C2 domain-mediated inhibition.

Protein kinase C isozymes as potential therapeutic targets in immune disorders

BACKGROUND

Members of the protein kinase C (PKC) family are key signalling mediators in immune responses, and pharmacological inhibition of PKCs may be useful for treating immune-mediated diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To review and discuss the insights gained so far into various PKC isozymes and the therapeutic potential and challenges of developing PKC inhibitors for immune disorder therapy.

METHODS

A literature review of the role of PKCs in immune cell signalling and recent studies describing immune functions associated with PKC isozyme deficiency in relevant mouse disease models, followed by specific case studies of current and potential therapeutic strategies targeting PKCs.

RESULTS/CONCLUSION

There is vast amount of data supporting PKC isozymes as attractive drug targets for certain immune disorders. Although the development of specific PKC isozyme inhibitors has been challenging, some progress has been made. It remains to be seen if broad-scale or isozyme-selective inhibition of PKC will have clinical efficacy.

Initial three-dimensional reconstructions of protein kinase C δ from two-dimensional crystals on lipid monolayers

Two-dimensional crystals of protein kinase C delta (PKCdelta) and of its regulatory domain (RDdelta) were grown on lipid monolayers and analyzed by electron microscopy at tilt angles varying from -50 degrees to +55 degrees. Although the crystals exhibit pseudo-3-fold symmetry, analysis of difference phase residuals indicates that there is only one way to align the crystals for merging so the data were processed in plane group P1. Three-dimensional reconstructions generated for several two-dimensional crystals each of PKCdelta and RDdelta show good agreement and are consistent with membrane attachment via a single C1 subdomain, a small surface contact by one or two loops from the C2 domain, and, in intact PKCdelta, a small appendage from the catalytic domain, probably V5. Two-dimensional crystallography with three-dimensional reconstruction should be suitable for examination of additional PKC isozymes and for analysis of the enzymes bound to substrates and other proteins.

Cloning of phospholipase D from grape berry and its expression under heat acclimation

To investigate whether phospholipase D (PLD, EC 3.1.4.4) plays a role in adaptive response of post-harvest fruit to environment, a PLD gene was firstly cloned from grape berry (Vitis Vinifera L. cv. Chardonnay) using RT-PCR and 3'- and 5'-RACE. The deduced amino acid sequence (809 residues) showed 84.7% identity with that of PLD from Ricinus communis. The secondary structures of this protein showed the characteristic C2 domain and two active sites of a phospholipid-metabolizing enzyme. The PLD activity and its expression in response to heat acclimation were then assayed. The results indicated PLD was significantly activated at enzyme activity, as well as accumulation of PLD mRNA and synthesis of new PLD protein during the early of heat acclimation, primary suggesting that the grape berry PLD may be involved in the heat response in post-harvest grape berry. This work offers an important basis for further investigating the mechanism of post-harvest fruit adaptation to environmental stresses.

Beta-strand recombination in tricalbin evolution and the origin of synaptotagmin-like C2 domains

Two protein families involved in membrane traffic, tricalbins and synaptotagmins, contain several copies of C2 domains and are related based on their sequence and domain architecture. Paradoxically, tricalbin and synaptotagmin C2 domains belong to different structural types with apparent circular permutation of terminal beta-strands. To understand whether a topological switch took place, we analyzed tricalbin and synaptotagmin-like C2 domains using two-dimensional structural analysis. We found that yeast tricalbins contain five to six C2 domains. One of these C2 domains possesses many features of synaptotagmin-like C2 domains and also carries a conserved C-terminal strand that is similar to its structural equivalent in synaptotagmin-like C2 domains, suggesting a structural permutation event. Indeed, among higher eukaryotes, animal tricalbins have evolved a C2 domain with synaptotagmin-like topology indicating that the structural conversion has taken place. Investigation of plant synaptotagmins, however, proves that they are direct tricalbin orthologs. Our analysis shows that beta-strand recombination is a possible evolutionary mechanism to generate new structural topologies with altered functional properties.

Diacylglycerols, multivalent membrane modulators

Diacylglycerols are second messengers confined to biomembranes and, although relatively simple molecules from the structural point of view, they are able of triggering a surprisingly wide range of biological responses. Diacylglycerols are recognized by a well conserved protein motif, such as the C1 domain. This domain was observed for the first time in protein kinases C but is now known to be present in many other proteins. The effect of diacylglycerols is not limited to binding to C1 domains and they are able to alter the biophysical properties of biomembranes and hence modulate the activity of membrane associated proteins and also facilitate some processes like membrane fusion.