DCP-LA (FR236924), a linoleic acid derivative, selectively and directly activates PKCε . DCP-LA activates Ca ( 2+ )/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII) and inhibits protein phosphatase-1 (PP-1) to stimulate AMPA receptor exocytosis. DCP-LA inhibits activation of caspase-3/-9 and protects neurons at least in part from oxidative stress-induced apoptosis.