Activation of PKCα is required for migration of C6 glioma cells

The PKC signaling pathway has been implicated in diverse cellular functions. Here, we sought to investigate the role of PKCα/β in C6 glioma cell migration. We found that both PKCα and PKCβ were expressed by C6 glioma cells, but only PKCα was markedly activated in serum-treated C6 cells. Gö6976, a PKC α/β specific inhibitor, was found to cause a dose-dependent reduction of PKCα activation and cell migration induced by serum in C6 cells. These results collectively indicated that the PKCα signaling pathway is necessary for glioma cell migration. Our findings may provide an insight into a better understanding to the malignant progression of gliomas.