Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 4, 2026

Assessing Cellular Target Engagement by SHP2 (PTPN11) Phosphatase Inhibitors
Published on: July 17, 2020
Protein phosphatase 2A regulatory subunits and cancer
Pieter J A Eichhorn1, Menno P Creyghton, René Bernards
1Division of Molecular Carcinogenesis, Center for Cancer Genomics and Center for Biomedical Genetics, The Netherlands Cancer Institute, Amsterdam, The Netherlands.
Abstract:
The serine/threonine protein phosphatase (PP2A) is a trimeric holoenzyme that plays an integral role in the regulation of a number of major signaling pathways whose deregulation can contribute to cancer. The specificity and activity of PP2A are highly regulated through the interaction of a family of regulatory B subunits with the substrates. Accumulating evidence indicates that PP2A acts as a tumor suppressor. In this review we summarize the known effects of specific PP2A holoenzymes and their roles in cancer relevant pathways. In particular we highlight PP2A function in the regulation of MAPK and Wnt signaling.
Insights
Protein phosphatase 2 (PP2A) holoenzymes regulate key cancer pathways. This review highlights PP2A
Area of Science:
- Molecular biology
- Biochemistry
- Oncology
Background:
- Serine/threonine protein phosphatase (PP2A) is a crucial trimeric enzyme involved in cellular signaling.
- PP2A holoenzyme activity and specificity are modulated by regulatory B subunits.
- Deregulation of PP2A-controlled pathways is implicated in cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the role of specific PP2A holoenzymes in cancer.
- To summarize PP2A's function in cancer-relevant signaling pathways.
- To highlight PP2A's tumor suppressor activities.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of PP2A function in cancer.
- Analysis of PP2A's role in MAPK signaling.
- Analysis of PP2A's role in Wnt signaling.
Main Results:
- PP2A acts as a tumor suppressor.
- Specific PP2A holoenzymes influence major signaling pathways.
- PP2A regulates MAPK and Wnt signaling pathways.
Conclusions:
- PP2A holoenzymes are critical regulators in cancer.
- Understanding PP2A function offers therapeutic potential for cancer treatment.
Related Concept Videos
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
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...
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...
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
Cancer-Critical Genes II: Tumor Suppressor Genes
When the function of certain critical genes, especially those involved in cell cycle regulation and cell growth signaling cascades, gets disrupted, it upsets the cell cycle progression. Such cells with unchecked cell cycles start proliferating uncontrollably and eventually develop into tumors.
Such genes that act...

