PKC-dependent signalling mechanisms in differentiated smooth muscle

Protein kinase C (PKC) is now known to play an important physiological role in essentially all cell types. This review will focus on what is known abo ut the kinase in contractile differentiated smooth muscle. Current knowledg e on the molecular structure of PKC-isoforms will be discussed as they rela te to mechanisms of translocation and targeting of the kinase within smooth muscle cells. Studies performed on PKC-dependent signalling pathways in di fferentiated smooth muscle cells will be discussed with emphasis on studies from our laboratory, especially discussing thin filament linked pathways. Thick filament linked PKC-dependent pathways will be described in more deta il elsewhere in this monograph.