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PTPN2 acts as a tumor suppressor and therapeutic target in ovarian cancer

Xiaoli Sun1, Wenkai Zhang2, Hongmei Wang3

  • 1Department of Protein and Antibody Engineering, School of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China; Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Yantai Affiliated Hospital of Binzhou Medical University, Yantai, Shandong, 264003, China.

Biochemical and Biophysical Research Communications
|September 26, 2025
PubMed

Insights

Non-receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (PTPN2) acts as a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer (OC). Lower PTPN2 levels correlate with advanced OC stages and poor survival, indicating its potential as a therapeutic target.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Ovarian cancer (OC) is a leading cause of gynecological cancer deaths, with metastasis and chemoresistance contributing to poor patient outcomes.
  • The role of Non-receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (PTPN2) in OC progression is not well understood, despite its known function in regulating oncogenic signaling pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of PTPN2 as a tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer.
  • To explore the potential of PTPN2 as a prognostic biomarker and therapeutic target for OC.

Main Methods:

  • Integrated bioinformatics analysis of PTPN2 expression in OC tissues.
  • Experimental validation of PTPN2 expression in clinical specimens.
  • Functional studies assessing the impact of PTPN2 overexpression on OC cell behavior (proliferation, migration, motility).
  • Mechanistic studies investigating PTPN2's regulation of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers and signaling pathways (e.g., ERK1/2 phosphorylation).

Main Results:

  • Bioinformatics analysis revealed significant downregulation of PTPN2 in OC tissues, associated with advanced tumor stage and reduced patient survival.
  • Experimental validation confirmed decreased PTPN2 mRNA and protein levels in clinical OC samples.
  • PTPN2 overexpression suppressed OC cell proliferation, migration, and motility.
  • PTPN2 maintained epithelial characteristics by upregulating E-cadherin and downregulating mesenchymal markers (Snail, Twist) via negative regulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation.

Conclusions:

  • PTPN2 functions as a critical tumor suppressor in ovarian cancer.
  • Reduced PTPN2 expression is linked to poor prognosis in OC patients.
  • PTPN2 represents a promising therapeutic target and prognostic biomarker for ovarian cancer.
Keywords:
Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)Non-receptor protein tyrosine phosphataseOvarian cancerPTPN2Therapeutic target

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