The impact of phosphatases on proliferative and survival signaling in cancer

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Assessing Cellular Target Engagement by SHP2 PTPN11 Phosphatase Inhibitors
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Assessing Cellular Target Engagement by SHP2 PTPN11 Phosphatase Inhibitors

Published on: July 17, 2020

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Goutham Narla1, Jaya Sangodkar2, Christopher B Ryder3

  • 1Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, OH, USA.

Cellular and Molecular Life Sciences : CMLS
|May 5, 2018
PubMed

Insights

Phosphatases, enzymes regulating cell signaling, are increasingly recognized for their critical role in cancer development. Understanding their function offers new therapeutic strategies for numerous malignancies.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Signaling
  • Oncology

Background:

  • Kinase and phosphatase activity are tightly regulated, controlling essential physiological processes.
  • Imbalances in this signaling interplay are implicated in various diseases, particularly cancer.
  • Historically, kinases were considered primary drivers, with phosphatases playing a supporting role in cellular signaling.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the critical role of phosphatases in regulating cellular proliferation and survival signaling pathways in cancer.
  • To highlight the shift in understanding from kinases to phosphatases as key regulators in oncogenesis.
  • To explore therapeutic potential stemming from a deeper comprehension of phosphatase functions in malignancy.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on the MAPK and PI3K/AKT pathways.
  • Analysis of c-Myc and apoptosis machinery regulation by phosphatases.
  • Examination of specific phosphatase dysregulation in human cancers.

Main Results:

  • Recent research demonstrates a significant, often driving, role for phosphatases in various cancers.
  • Dysregulation of specific phosphatases can promote cellular growth and survival, contributing to cancer persistence.
  • Phosphatases are implicated in the aberrant regulation of key signaling networks like MAPK and PI3K/AKT.

Conclusions:

  • Phosphatases are pivotal in controlling cell proliferation and survival, with their dysregulation driving cancer.
  • The evolving understanding of phosphatases opens new avenues for targeted cancer therapies.
  • Further research into phosphatase function promises significant therapeutic advances in oncology.
Keywords:
ApoptosisMAPKPI3KPP2APhosphorylationc-Myc

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