Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Real-time Live Imaging of T-cell Signaling Complex Formation
Published on: June 23, 2013
The T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase
M J Ibarra-Sánchez1, P D Simoncic, F R Nestel
1Department of Biochemistry, McGill University, Montreal, Quebec, H3G 1Y6, Canada.
Abstract:
In recent years, the T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TC-PTP) has become an important member of the protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) family in two aspects. Firstly, TC-PTP has been reported to act on downstream signalling events initiated by the epidermal growth receptor, suggesting that it may act as an important modulator of receptor tyrosine kinases and mitogenic signalling. Secondly, the finding of immune deficiency and lethality observed in TC-PTP null mice emphasizes the importance of this small PTP in the hematopoietic system. In this review, we provide a summary of the recent literature published on the TC-PTP and its various orthologs. Although much remains to be uncovered, some recent findings on the function of this small PTP suggest that it plays a critical role in regulating mammalian cell signalling.
Insights
T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TC-PTP) is crucial for immune function and cell signaling. Research highlights its role in regulating epidermal growth factor receptor pathways and its importance in the hematopoietic system.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Immunology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- T-cell protein tyrosine phosphatase (TC-PTP) is a key enzyme in the protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) family.
- TC-PTP influences signaling pathways initiated by growth factor receptors.
- TC-PTP plays a significant role in the hematopoietic system, as evidenced by studies in null mice.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent literature on TC-PTP and its orthologs.
- To summarize the known functions and implications of TC-PTP in mammalian cell signaling.
- To highlight the critical role of TC-PTP in regulating cellular processes.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent publications on TC-PTP.
- Analysis of studies investigating TC-PTP's role in receptor tyrosine kinase signaling.
- Examination of data from TC-PTP null mouse models.
Main Results:
- TC-PTP modulates downstream signaling events of the epidermal growth factor receptor.
- TC-PTP is essential for immune system function, with deficiency leading to immune deficiency and lethality.
- TC-PTP acts as a critical regulator of mitogenic signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- TC-PTP is an important modulator of receptor tyrosine kinases and mitogenic signaling.
- TC-PTP is vital for the proper functioning of the hematopoietic system.
- Recent findings underscore TC-PTP's critical role in regulating mammalian cell signaling, though further research is needed.
Related Concept Videos
Protein Kinases and Phosphatases
Protein kinases
Many proteins in the cell are regulated by phosphorylation, the addition of a phosphate group. A family of enzymes called kinases...
Amplifying Signals via Enzymatic Cascade
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
The JAK-STAT Signaling Pathway
TGF - β Signaling Pathway
T Cell Activation and Clonal Selection
Naive T cells that have not yet encountered an antigen express two primary CD...

