Analysis of the cAMP-Dependent Protein Kinase System Using Molecular Genetic Approaches

Publisher Summary This chapter focuses on the new approaches to the study of the cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)-dependent protein kinase system with the utilization of the techniques of molecular genetics. The chapter describes the characterization of two catalytic and four regulatory subunit genes in mammalian systems. Three of these subunits—RIα, RIIα, and Cα—are constitutively expressed in most tissues although the levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) can vary significantly, most notably in male germ cells during spermatogenesis. The other three subunits—Cβ, RIβ, and RIIβ—are highly expressed in brain and are either absent or at very low levels in many other tissues. In particular, the RIIβ gene is highly inducible in several differentiating systems. The chapter further discusses the differences in functional properties of the Cα and Cβ subunits. Future work with specific antibodies should help resolve the potential for specific interactions between subtypes of R and C subunits.