Protein kinase C (PKC) is a family of serine- and threonine-specific kinases activated by calcium and diacylglycerol PKC family members phosphorylate various protein targets and are involved in multiple cellular signaling pathways They also serve as receptors for phorbol esters tumor-promoting compounds Each PKC member has a distinct expression profile and role in cells The protein encoded by this gene is a PKC family member involved in B cell activation apoptosis endothelial cell proliferation and intestinal sugar absorption Studies in mice suggest it may also regulate neuronal functions and influence fear-induced behavior after stress Alternative splicing generates distinct isoforms of this gene