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Updated: Jul 19, 2026

Assessing Cellular Target Engagement by SHP2 (PTPN11) Phosphatase Inhibitors
Published on: July 17, 2020
An intracellular multi-effector complex mediates somatostatin receptor 1 activation of phospho-tyrosine phosphatase
Sara Arena1, Alessandra Pattarozzi, Alessandro Massa
1Section of Pharmacology, Department of Oncology, Biology and Genetics, Univertsity of Genova 16132 Genova, Italy.
Abstract:
The receptor-like phosphotyrosine phosphatase eta (PTPeta) is an important intracellular effector of the cytostatic action of SST. Here we characterize, in Chinese hamster ovary-k1 cells, the intracellular pathway that from somatostatin receptor 1 (SSTR1), leads to the activation of PTPeta and that involves, in a multimeric complex and sequential activation, the tyrosine kinases Janus kinase (JAK) 2 and Src, and the cytosolic phosphotyrosine phosphatase SHP-2. We show that inhibitors of JAK2 and Src and dominant-negative mutants of SHP-2 and Src abolished the SSTR1-mediated PTPeta activation, suggesting that all these effectors participate in the activation of PTPeta. In basal conditions, JAK2 forms a multimeric complex with SHP-2, Src and PTPeta. In response to SST, JAK2 is activated in a G protein-dependent manner, dissociates from and phosphorylates SHP-2, increasing its activity. Subsequently, SHP-2 dissociates from Src, dephosphorylates the Src inhibitory tyrosine-529, and causes an autocatalytical increase of the phosphorylation of Src tyrosine 418, located inside its kinase activation loop. Active Src, in turn, controls the activity of PTPeta, via a direct interaction and phosphorylation of the phosphatase. These data for the first time depict an intracellular pathway involving a precise sequence of interactions and cross-activation among tyrosine phosphatases and kinases acting upstream of PTPeta. In particular the sequential activation of JAK2, SHP-2, and Src conveys the molecular signaling from SSTR1 to the activation of this phosphatase that is responsible for the final biological effects of SST.
Insights
Somatostatin receptor 1 (SSTR1) signaling activates phosphotyrosine phosphatase eta (PTPeta) via a sequential pathway involving Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), SHP-2, and Src, elucidating key intracellular mechanisms.
Area of Science:
- Cellular and Molecular Biology
- Signal Transduction Pathways
- Enzymology
Background:
- Receptor-like phosphotyrosine phosphatase eta (PTPeta) mediates the cytostatic effects of somatostatin (SST).
- The intracellular signaling cascade linking somatostatin receptor 1 (SSTR1) to PTPeta activation remains incompletely understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the intracellular pathway responsible for SSTR1-mediated PTPeta activation.
- To identify the key kinases and phosphatases involved in this signaling cascade.
Main Methods:
- Characterization of intracellular signaling in Chinese hamster ovary-k1 cells.
- Utilized kinase inhibitors (JAK2, Src) and dominant-negative mutants (SHP-2, Src).
- Investigated protein complex formation, dissociation, phosphorylation, and dephosphorylation events.
Main Results:
- SSTR1 activation of PTPeta involves a sequential activation of Janus kinase 2 (JAK2), SHP-2, and Src.
- JAK2 activation is G protein-dependent and leads to SHP-2 phosphorylation.
- SHP-2 dephosphorylates Src, enhancing Src activity, which then phosphorylates and activates PTPeta.
Conclusions:
- A novel intracellular pathway for SSTR1-mediated PTPeta activation has been delineated.
- The pathway involves a precise sequence of interactions and cross-activations among JAK2, SHP-2, and Src.
- This signaling cascade is crucial for the biological effects of somatostatin.
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