Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 26, 2026

Author Spotlight: Developing Tools to Tune the Activity of Tyrosine Phosphatases
Published on: September 6, 2024
Measuring GPCR-Induced Activation of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases (PTP) Using In-Gel and Colorimetric PTP Assays
Geneviève Hamel-Côté1, Fanny Lapointe1, Jana Stankova2
1Division of Immunology, Department of Pediatrics, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Université de Sherbrooke, QC, Canada.
Abstract:
Given the increasing amount of data showing the importance of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) in G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling pathways, the modulation of this enzyme family by that type of receptor can become an important experimental question. Here, we describe two different methods, an in-gel and a colorimetric PTP assay, to evaluate the modulation of PTP activity after stimulation with GPCR agonists.
Insights
This study introduces two assays to measure protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) activity modulation by G protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) agonists, aiding research into their signaling pathways.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Cell Signaling
- Enzymology
Background:
- Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) play crucial roles in cellular signaling.
- G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are key regulators of cellular responses.
- The interplay between PTPs and GPCRs is an emerging area of research.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and validate methods for assessing PTP activity modulation.
- To investigate how GPCR activation affects PTP enzymatic function.
- To provide tools for studying PTP-GPCR signaling crosstalk.
Main Methods:
- Description of an in-gel PTP assay.
- Description of a colorimetric PTP assay.
- Evaluation of PTP activity following GPCR agonist stimulation.
Main Results:
- Successful implementation of both in-gel and colorimetric PTP assays.
- Demonstration of PTP activity modulation upon GPCR activation.
- Quantification of changes in PTP activity in response to specific agonists.
Conclusions:
- The described assays are effective for studying PTP modulation by GPCRs.
- GPCR signaling can significantly impact PTP activity.
- These methods facilitate further investigation into PTP-GPCR pathway regulation.
Related Concept Videos
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
GPCR Desensitization
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
Activation and Inactivation of G Proteins
G-protein Coupled Receptors

