The C2 domain is a Ca²⁺-dependent membrane-targeting module found in many cellular proteins involved in signal transduction or membrane trafficking. C2 domains are unique among membrane targeting domains in that they show wide range of lipid selectivity for the major components of cell membranes, including phosphatidylserine and phosphatidylcholine. This C2 domain is about 116 amino-acid residues and is located between the two copies of the C1 domain in Protein Kinase C and the protein kinase catalytic domain [1]. Regions with significant homology [2] to the C2-domain have been found in many proteins. The C2 domain is thought to be involved in calcium-dependent phospholipid binding [3] and in membrane targetting processes such as subcellular localisation.

The 3D structure of the C2 domain of synaptotagmin has been reported[4], the domain forms an eight-stranded beta sandwich constructed around a conserved 4-stranded motif, designated a C2 key [5]. Calcium binds in a cup-shaped depression formed by the N- and C-terminal loops of the C2-key motif. Structural analyses of several C2 domains have shown them to consist of similar ternary structures in which three Ca²⁺-binding loops are located at the end of an 8 stranded antiparallel beta sandwich.

1. The role of C2 domains in PKC signaling. Adv. Exp. Med. Biol. 740, 663-83
2. Mammalian homologues of Caenorhabditis elegans unc-13 gene define novel family of C2-domain proteins. J. Biol. Chem. 270, 25273-80
3. A single C2 domain from synaptotagmin I is sufficient for high affinity Ca2+/phospholipid binding. J. Biol. Chem. 268, 26386-90
4. Structure of the first C2 domain of synaptotagmin I: a novel Ca2+/phospholipid-binding fold. Cell 80, 929-38

The C2 domain is a Ca²⁺-dependent membrane-targeting module found in many cellular pro
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