Protein kinase Cε:: multiple roles in the function of, and signaling mediated by, the cytoskeleton

Recent studies have established essential roles of protein kinase C epsilon in signaling pathways controlling various functions of microfilaments and intermediate filaments by modulating multiple cytoskeletal proteins. This review summarizes recent progress in our understanding of the roles of protein kinase C epsilon in the functions and signaling of microfilaments and intermediate filaments, with a focus mainly on cell-matrix and cell-cell interactions, migrations and contraction, in addition to its relevance in the development of several diseases, such as malignant tumors or cardiac disease.