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Updated: May 14, 2026

Development and Application of Rapamycin-regulated Tyrosine Phosphatases
Published on: September 6, 2024
Thioredoxin-related protein 32 (TRP32) specifically reduces oxidized phosphatase of regenerating liver (PRL)
Tasuku Ishii1, Yosuke Funato, Hiroaki Miki
1Department of Cellular Regulation, Research Institute for Microbial Diseases, Osaka University, Suita, Osaka 565-0871, Japan.
Abstract:
PRL family constitutes a unique class of phosphatases associated with metastasis. The phosphatase activity of PRL has been reported to be important for promoting metastasis, and it is inactivated by reversible oxidation of its catalytic cysteine. Here, we show that TRP32 specifically reduces PRL. Reduction of oxidized PRL in cells is inhibited by 2,4-dinitro-1-chlorobenzene, an inhibitor of TRX reductase. In vitro assays for the reduction of PRL show that only TRP32 can potently reduce oxidized PRL, whereas other TRX-related proteins linked to TRX reductase show little or no reducing activity. Indeed, TRP32 knockdown significantly prolongs the H2O2-induced oxidation of PRL. Binding analyses reveal that the unique C-terminal domain of TRP32 is required and sufficient for its direct interaction with PRL. These results suggest that TRP32 maintains the reduced state of PRL and thus regulates the biological function of PRL.
Insights
Thioredoxin-related protein 32 (TRP32) specifically reduces PRL, a phosphatase linked to metastasis. TRP32 maintains PRL in its active, reduced state, regulating its function in cells.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- The PRL (PHAS/PRL) phosphatase family is implicated in cancer metastasis.
- PRL's catalytic cysteine undergoes reversible oxidation, inactivating its phosphatase activity.
- Understanding PRL regulation is crucial for targeting metastasis.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific protein responsible for reducing oxidized PRL.
- To elucidate the mechanism by which PRL activity is regulated.
- To identify novel regulators of PRL function in cellular processes.
Main Methods:
- In vitro reduction assays using purified proteins.
- Cellular experiments involving TRP32 knockdown and H2O2 treatment.
- Inhibition studies using 2,4-dinitro-1-chlorobenzene.
- Protein binding analyses to identify interaction domains.
Main Results:
- Thioredoxin-related protein 32 (TRP32) specifically and potently reduces oxidized PRL in vitro.
- TRP32-mediated reduction of PRL is sensitive to TRX reductase inhibition.
- TRP32 knockdown prolongs PRL oxidation induced by hydrogen peroxide.
- The unique C-terminal domain of TRP32 is essential for direct PRL interaction.
Conclusions:
- TRP32 functions as the primary reductase for oxidized PRL.
- TRP32 maintains PRL in its active, reduced state.
- TRP32-mediated regulation of PRL impacts its biological functions, potentially including metastasis.
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