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Updated: Aug 13, 2026

Assessing Cellular Target Engagement by SHP2 (PTPN11) Phosphatase Inhibitors
Published on: July 17, 2020
Beyond the metabolic function of PTP1B
Nadia Dubé1, Michel L Tremblay
1McGill Cancer Centre, McGill University, Montreal, QC Canada.
Abstract:
Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) has been implicated as a negative regulator of multiple signaling pathways downstream of receptor tyrosine kinases. Gene-targeting studies in mice have established PTP1B as a major target in diabetes and obesity. Initially, inhibition of this enzyme was thought to potentially lead to increased oncogenic signaling, but mice lacking PTP1B do not develop tumors. Our recent results show that loss of PTP1B can lead to decreased Ras signaling, despite enhanced signaling of other pathways. Here, we discuss how these findings implicate PTP1B as a positive and negative regulator of oncogenesis.
Insights
Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) regulates signaling pathways. While PTP1B loss impacts diabetes and obesity, new findings show it can decrease Ras signaling, implicating it in both promoting and suppressing cancer.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Molecular Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a key regulator of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathways.
- PTP1B is a validated target for treating diabetes and obesity.
- Previous concerns suggested PTP1B inhibition might promote oncogenesis, but PTP1B-deficient mice do not develop tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of PTP1B in oncogenesis.
- To clarify the dual role of PTP1B as a regulator of cancer signaling pathways.
Main Methods:
- Gene-targeting studies in mice.
- Analysis of signaling pathways, including Ras signaling.
- Evaluation of tumor development in PTP1B-deficient models.
Main Results:
- Mice lacking PTP1B do not exhibit increased tumor formation.
- Loss of PTP1B leads to decreased Ras signaling.
- PTP1B influences multiple signaling pathways, with varied effects on oncogenic signaling.
Conclusions:
- PTP1B acts as both a positive and negative regulator in oncogenesis.
- The role of PTP1B in cancer is complex and context-dependent.
- Targeting PTP1B may have implications beyond metabolic diseases, including cancer therapy.
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