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Neurons or glia? Can SHP2 know it all?
Volkan Coskun1, Jing Zhao, Yi E Sun
1Mental Retardation Research Center, Department of Molecular and Medical Pharmacology, Neuropsychiatric Institute, David Geffen School of Medicine, University of California Los Angeles, 635 Charles E. Young Drive South, Los Angeles, CA 90095, USA.
Science'S STKE : Signal Transduction Knowledge Environment
|November 1, 2007
Summary
The tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is crucial for normal brain development, balancing neuron and glial cell production. Mutations in SHP2 can lead to Noonan syndrome by disrupting this balance.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
Background:
- Normal nervous system development requires precise control over neuron and glial cell differentiation.
- The molecular mechanisms governing the sequential genesis of neurons and glia are complex and involve both intra- and extracellular factors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To discuss the molecular mechanisms underlying sequential neurogenesis and gliogenesis.
- To highlight the role of the tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 in normal brain development.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent studies on SHP2 function in brain development.
- Analysis of signaling pathways regulated by SHP2, including MEK-ERK and JAK-STAT.
Main Results:
- SHP2 activation promotes neurogenesis via the MEK-ERK pathway.
- SHP2 activation inhibits astroglial differentiation by suppressing the JAK-STAT pathway.
- Mutations increasing SHP2 activity are linked to Noonan syndrome, a mental retardation disorder.
Conclusions:
- SHP2 plays a critical role in balancing neurogenesis and gliogenesis during nervous system development.
- Dysregulation of SHP2 function, particularly increased tyrosine phosphatase activity, can contribute to developmental disorders like Noonan syndrome.
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