Phorbol ester-induced alteration of protein kinase C catalytic properties occurs at the membrane level and is not reproduced by physiological stimuli.

Potent tumor promoter TPA (1-100 nM) has previously been shown to induce a striking alteration of protein kinase C catalytic properties in target cells (C. Cochet et al., 1986, Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 134, 1031-1037). This alteration contributes to the apparent loss of cellular protein kinase C, secondary to TPA treatment, when the enzyme is probed by its phospholipid-dependent histone kinase activity. This effect was observed as well when rat-1 cells were treated by other tumor promoters such as mezerein, teleocidin, aplysiatoxin and palytoxin, whereas inactive phorbol ester structures were ineffective. On the other hand, 1,2-dioctanoyl glycerol did not induce that effect. This protein kinase C alteration was shown to occur at the cellular membrane level. It is suggested that membrane translocation and activation of protein kinase C induced by potent tumor promoter structures are not functionally equivalent to that secondary to physiological stimuli. Although the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remains to be understood at the molecular level, it may be of significance in the process of tumor promotion.