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Purification and characterization of the human protein tyrosine phosphatase, PTP mu, from a baculovirus expression

S M Brady-Kalnay1, N K Tonks

  • 1Cold Spring Harbor Labs, NY 11724-2208.

Insights

Protein tyrosine phosphatase mu (PTP mu) dephosphorylates specific substrates, with activity influenced by pH and inhibitors. Characterizing PTP mu provides insights into its enzymatic function and regulation.

Area of Science:

  • Biochemistry
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Adhesion

Background:

  • Receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase mu (PTP mu) shares structural similarities with immunoglobulin superfamily cell adhesion molecules.
  • PTP mu plays a role in cellular processes, necessitating a detailed understanding of its enzymatic activity.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To express, purify, and characterize both full-length and truncated forms of PTP mu.
  • To investigate the substrate specificity and enzymatic properties of PTP mu, particularly its soluble intracellular domain.

Main Methods:

  • Expression of full-length and truncated PTP mu using the baculovirus/Sf9 cell system.
  • Purification and characterization of recombinant PTP mu variants.
  • Enzymatic assays to determine substrate preference, pH optimum, kinetics (Km, Vmax), and inhibition by various agents.

Main Results:

  • Full-length PTP mu is membrane-associated, while the truncated form is soluble.
  • PTP mu preferentially dephosphorylates a modified lysozyme derivative (RCML) over other tyrosine phosphorylated substrates.
  • The soluble PTP mu domain exhibits optimal activity at pH 7.5 with specific kinetic parameters (Km=400 nM, Vmax=725 nmol/min/mg) and is more active than the full-length form.
  • Enzyme activity is inhibited by trypsinization, vanadate, molybdate, certain metal ions (Zn++, Mn++), polycations, and poly-glu/tyr.

Conclusions:

  • The intracellular domain of PTP mu possesses distinct enzymatic properties and substrate specificity.
  • Enzymatic activity of PTP mu is modulated by pH, specific substrates, and various inhibitory molecules, including metal ions and known phosphatase inhibitors.

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