Isolation and characterization of protein kinase C from human placenta.

Protein kinase C (Ca2+ and phospholipid-dependent protein kinase) was detected in human placenta and was partially purified using DEAE cellulose chromatography and Ultrogel filtration. Diolein alone did not act on this enzyme but exerted a strong stimulatory action when associated with phosphatidylserine and Ca2+. Similar results were obtained with the phorbol myristate acetate. The kinetic constants for ATP, histone HI or Mg2+ and the apparent Ka for Ca2+ and phosphatidylserine were determined.