Synonyms:PKC gamma, PKCC, PKCG, PRKCG, Protein kinase C gamma type, protein kinase C, gamma, SCA14 Background:Protein kinase C(PKC) is a family of serine-and threonine-specific protein kinases that can be activated by calcium and second messenger diacylglycerol. PKC family members phosphorylate a wide variety of protein targets and are known to be involved in diverse cellular signaling pathways. PKC gamma is a neuron-specific member of the classical PKCs and is activated and translocated to subcellular regions as a result of various stimuli, including diacylglycerol synthesis, increased intracellular Ca(2+) and phorbol esters. Defects in this protein have been associated with spinocerebellar ataxia type 14(SCA14), an autosomal dominant neurodegenerative disease.