Protein kinase A regulatory subunit distribution in medulloblastoma

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>Previous studies showed a differential distribution of the four regulatory subunits of cAMP-dependent protein kinases inside the brain, that changed in rodent gliomas: therefore, the distribution of these proteins inside the brain can give information on the functional state of the cells. Our goal was to examine human brain tumors to provide evidence for a differential distribution of protein kinase A in different tumors.</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>The distribution of detergent insoluble regulatory (R1 and R2) and catalytic subunits of cAMP dependent kinases was examined in pediatric brain tumors by immunohistochemistry and fluorescent cAMP analogues binding.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>R2 is organized in large single dots in medulloblastomas, while it has a different appearance in other tumors. Fluorescent cAMP labelling was observed only in medulloblastoma.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>A different distribution of cAMP dependent protein kinases has been observed in medulloblastoma.</p