Localization of protein kinase C in normal and galactosemic bovine lens epithelial cells in culture

Abstract

The localization of the two major isoforms of protein kinase C (PKC), PKCalpha and PKCgamma, present in normal and galactosemic bovine lens epithelial cells in culture, was determined using PKC isoform-specific antisera and visualized with FITC-conjugated secondary antisera. The results indicated that the localization of PKC changed upon exposure to 40 mM galactose after 1 day. The subcellular distribution of control cells was cytoplasmic and perinuclear for PKCalpha, while, in 40 mM galactose-treated cells, PKCalpha was also localized to nuclei. In contrast, upon exposure to 40 mM galactose the PKCgamma of the lens epithelial cells was observed in nucleoli. These results suggest that the subcellular distribution of the PKC isoforms in bovine lens epithelial cells differs and is altered upon exposure to 40 mM galactose.

Multiple biological responses activated by nuclear protein kinase C

“…Exposure to 40 mM galactose induced the redistribution of PKC-␣ to nuclei but PKC-␥ was localized in nucleoli. Translocation of these isoforms to the nuclear compartment suggested they may be involved in nuclear events leading to the development of cataract [Gonzalez-Charneco and Takemoto, 1998].…”

Histochemistry and cell biology: what's in a name?

“…Abnormal cellular distribution occured concomittantly with loss of epithelial polarity intensity of CDw60 immunostaining decreased with progressing loss of differentiation. The two major protein kinase C isoforms in galactosemic lens epithelial cells in vitro exhibited an altered distribution and implications for formation of cataracts in diabetics were discussed (Gonzalez-Charneco and Takemoto 1998). Increased c-Fos expression was observed under conditions of stress in the caudal brainstem (Briski 1999) and in chronic spinal cord-injured rats following bladder distension (Callsen-Cencic and Mense 1999).…”