Evidence of SHIP2 Ser132 phosphorylation, its nuclear localization and stability

PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 and PtdIns(3,4)P2 are major signalling molecules in mammalian cell biology. PtdIns(3,4)P2 can be produced by PI3Ks [PI (phosphoinositide) 3-kinases], but also by PI 5-phosphatases including SHIP2 [SH2 (Src homology 2)-domain-containing inositol phosphatase 2]. Proteomic studies in human cells revealed that SHIP2 can be phosphorylated at more than 20 sites, but their individual function is unknown. In a model of PTEN (phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome 10)-null astrocytoma cells, lowering SHIP2 expression leads to increased PtdIns(3,4,5)P3 levels and Akt phosphorylation. MS analysis identified SHIP2 phosphosites on Ser132, Thr1254 and Ser1258; phosphotyrosine-containing sites were undetectable. By immunostaining, total SHIP2 concentrated in the perinuclear area and in the nucleus, whereas SHIP2 phosphorylated on Ser132 was in the cytoplasm, the nucleus and nuclear speckles, depending on the cell cycle stage. SHIP2 phosphorylated on Ser132 demonstrated PtdIns(4,5)P2 phosphatase activity. Endogenous phospho-SHIP2 (Ser132) showed an overlap with PtdIns(4,5)P2 staining in nuclear speckles. SHIP2 S132A was less sensitive to C-terminal degradation and more resistant to calpain as compared with wild-type enzyme. We have identified nuclear lamin A/C as a novel SHIP2 interactor. We suggest that the function of SHIP2 is different at the plasma membrane where it recognizes PtdIns(3,4,5)P3, and in the nucleus where it may interact with PtdIns(4,5)P2, particularly in speckles.