The receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase alpha: a role in cell proliferation and oncogenesis

C J Pallen1

  • 1Cell Regulation Laboratory, National University of Singapore.

Seminars in Cell Biology
|December 1, 1993
PubMed

Insights

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) like PTP alpha are crucial for cell signaling. PTP alpha

Area of Science:

  • Molecular biology
  • Cellular signaling
  • Biochemistry

Background:

  • Receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) are transmembrane proteins.
  • Their role in signal transduction involves phosphotyrosyl-protein dephosphorylation.
  • Little is known about PTPase regulation and cellular activities.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the structure-function relationship of PTP alpha.
  • To understand the enzymatic efficiency and regulation of PTP alpha.
  • To explore the role of PTP alpha in cell transformation and tumorigenesis.

Main Methods:

  • Structure/function studies were performed on PTP alpha.
  • Enzymatic activity and specificity were assessed.
  • The effects of PTP alpha overexpression on cell transformation were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Both catalytic domains of PTP alpha are essential for full enzymatic efficiency.
  • Interdomain interactions appear to modulate PTP alpha activity and specificity.
  • Overexpression of PTP alpha leads to cell transformation and tumorigenesis, potentially by activating c-src tyrosine kinase.

Conclusions:

  • PTP alpha plays a role in normal cell proliferation.
  • PTP alpha is unique among PTPases for its oncogenic potential.
  • Deregulation of PTP alpha may contribute to cancer development and progression.

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