Abstract
Posttranslational modifications of proteins play an important role in cellular signal transduction as those modifications may alter activity/function of their respective proteins. Protein phosphorylation is one of the important posttranslational modifications, and protein kinases are a major group of proteins responsible for protein phosphorylation. The goal of this chapter is to provide an overview of how protein kinases contribute to signal transduction during the induction of ischemia tolerance and during damage following cerebral ischemia. We will focus on three groups of protein kinases, namely, protein kinase A, protein kinase B (Akt), and protein kinase C. Considering their roles in ischemia tolerance and cerebral ischemic damage, future studies intended to modulate signaling of these protein kinases may ultimately help improve outcomes in patients with stroke.