Mitochondrial translocation of protein kinase C delta in phorbol ester-induced cytochrome C release and apoptosis

Apoptosis is induced by the release of cytochrome c from mitochondria to th e cytoplasm. The present studies demonstrate that the phorbol ester 12-O-te tradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induces translocation of protein kinase C (PKC) delta from the cytoplasm to mitochondria. The results also show th at translocation of PKC delta results in release of cytochrome c, The funct ional significance of this event is further supported by the demonstration that PKC delta translocation is required for TPA-induced apoptosis, These f indings demonstrate that translocation of PKC delta to mitochondria is resp onsible, at least in part, for inducing cytochrome c release and apoptosis.