Inwardly rectifying potassium (Kir) channels are widely distributed in many tissues and play important roles in physiological processes such as maintaining K+ homeostasis,regulating cell excitability and insulin secretion.The activity of Kir channels is regulated by a number of modulators,such as K+,Mg2+,pH,ATP,GPCR,PIP2,PKA,PKC,AA(arachidonic acid),etc.Study of the regulating mechanisms of Kir channel is a key step in understanding the physiology and physiopathology of these channels.Because many extra molecular signals regulate Kir channels via PKC pathway,much effort has been made over the past decade to understand role of PKC in regulating Kir channels.This paper summarizes the molecular basis of PKC modulation of Kir channels and the recent progression on the area.