Evidence that PKCα inhibition in Dalton's Lymphoma cells augments cell cycle arrest and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis

Protein kinase C alpha (PKC alpha), belonging to ser/thr protein kinase, perform various biological functions. Over expression of PKC alpha has been observed in multiple human malignancies including lymphoma. However, the molecular pathogenesis and involvement of PKC alpha in Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) are not clearly understood. Hence, deciphering the role of PKC alpha in NHL management may provide a better therapeutic option. In the present study, we used selective pharmacological inhibitors God6976 and Ro320432 that potentially inhibit PKC alpha mediated signaling in DL cells, resulting in the inhibition of cell growth and mitochondrial-dependent apoptosis. PKC alpha inhibition by these inhibitors also displays cell cycle arrest at the G1 phase and causes growth retardation of DL cells. Our results extended the mechanism of PKC alpha in NHL, and provided potential implications for its therapy.