PLCmediated

PLCmeditated is a term used to describe processes that are mediated by phospholipase C (PLC) enzymes in cellular signaling. In biology, PLC-mediated signaling refers to pathways in which PLC acts as a central mediator to translate extracellular signals into intracellular responses. PLCs hydrolyze the membrane lipid phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate (PIP2) to generate inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate (IP3) and diacylglycerol (DAG). IP3 releases calcium from intracellular stores, while DAG activates protein kinase C and other targets. The resulting rise in cytosolic calcium and PKC activity drives various cellular outcomes, including changes in gene expression, metabolism, secretion, contraction, and membrane trafficking.

Different PLC isoforms, such as PLC-β, PLC-γ, PLC-δ, and PLC-ε, are activated by distinct upstream receptors. GPCRs commonly stimulate PLC-β via G proteins, whereas receptor tyrosine kinases activate PLC-γ through adaptor proteins. The timing and location of PLC activity, often organized by scaffolding proteins and membrane microdomains, influence signaling specificity and output.

Physiologically, PLC-mediated signaling participates in immune responses, neuronal communication, hormonal signaling, and development. Dysregulation of PLC activity or mutations in PLC family members can contribute to diseases and is an area of therapeutic interest. It should be noted that the acronym PLC also stands for programmable logic controller in engineering contexts, so PLC-mediated has domain-dependent meaning that should be inferred from context.