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Updated: Aug 5, 2026
08:45
Assessing Cellular Target Engagement by SHP2 (PTPN11) Phosphatase Inhibitors
Published on: July 17, 2020
Ptprz1b phosphatase binds Prickle2 to promote its membrane localization
Yao Le1, Sarka Novotna2, Lorena Agostini Maia2
1Department of Biological Sciences and Centre for Bioimaging Sciences, National University of Singapore, Singapore 117543, Singapore.
Iscience
|July 28, 2026
Summary
The study identifies protein Ptprz1b as crucial for regulating Prickle2 at the cell membrane, essential for proper Wnt/planar cell polarity pathway function during embryonic development.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- The Wnt/planar cell polarity (PCP) pathway is vital for multicellular organism development and homeostasis.
- This pathway involves protein complexes like Vangl/Prickle and Dishevelled/Frizzled.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify regulators of Prickle protein localization within the PCP pathway.
- To investigate the role of Ptprz1b in Prickle2 membrane retention and PCP-dependent morphogenesis.
Main Methods:
- Utilized zebrafish and Xenopus embryos for in vivo studies.
- Investigated protein-protein interactions between Ptprz1b, Prickle2, and Vangl.
- Analyzed the impact of Ptprz1b deficiency on Prickle2 membrane localization and turnover.
- Employed a catalytic trapping mutant of Ptprz1b to assess its activity-dependent mechanism.
Main Results:
- Ptprz1b directly binds Prickle2 and stabilizes its presence at the plasma membrane.
- Loss of Ptprz1b leads to decreased Prickle2 membrane localization and increased turnover.
- Ptprz1b deficiency causes defects in convergent extension and neural tube closure in model organisms.
Conclusions:
- Ptprz1b acts as a key regulator of membrane-associated Prickle2.
- This regulation is essential for Wnt/PCP pathway function and normal embryonic morphogenesis.
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