Abstract: Provided is a method of inhibiting protein kinase C zeta/protein kinase M zeta, including contacting a sample containing an isoform of protein kinase C zeta with a compound of formula: referred to as 1-naphthol-3,6,8-trisulphonic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, contacting the sample with the compound does not inhibit protein kinase C iota/lambda. In a specific example, the sample includes neural tissue, the isoform of protein kinase C zeta is protein kinase M zeta, and inhibiting includes reducing kinase activity and further includes diminishing long-term potentiation. In some embodiment, the method includes inhibiting glucose transport. Also provided is a method of affecting memory, including administering the compounds to a mammalian organism.

Abstract: Provided is a method of inhibiting protein kinase C zeta/protein kinase M zeta, including contacting a sample containing an isoform of protein kinase C zeta with a compound of formula: referred to as 1-naphthol-3,6,8-trisulphonic acid, or a pharmaceutically acceptable salt thereof. In some embodiments, contacting the sample with the compound does not inhibit protein kinase C iota/lambda. In a specific example, the sample includes neural tissue, the isoform of protein kinase C zeta is protein kinase M zeta, and inhibiting includes reducing kinase activity and further includes diminishing long-term potentiation. In some embodiment, the method includes inhibiting glucose transport. Also provided is a method of affecting memory, including administering the compounds to a mammalian organism.

Abstract: The present invention establishes a link between altered aPKC function and nervous system disorders and cancers, such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and neuroblastoma. Methods of using aPKC in diagnosis, drug screening and gene therapy in nervous system disorders and cancers are provided.