Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 8, 2026

Co-immunoprecipitation Assay for Studying Functional Interactions Between Receptors and Enzymes
Published on: September 28, 2018
The receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase alpha: a role in cell proliferation and oncogenesis
1Cell Regulation Laboratory, National University of Singapore.
Abstract:
The transmembrane nature of the receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases) suggests that they transduce as yet unidentified extracellular signals to intracellular events via a phosphotyrosyl-protein dephosphorylation step, although little is known of their regulation and cellular activities. Structure/function studies of PTP alpha demonstrate that both catalytic domains are required for full enzymatic efficiency and that interdomain interactions may modulate PTP alpha activity and specificity. Overexpression of PTP alpha results in cell transformation and tumorigenesis, likely as a consequence of the ability of PTP alpha to dephosphorylate and activate the c-src tyrosine kinase. This suggests a role for PTP alpha in normal cell proliferation. PTP alpha is so far unique among the PTPases in terms of its oncogenic potential, and overexpression or deregulation of PTP alpha may be involved in the genesis, progression or maintenance of certain tumor states.
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.
Related Concept Videos
The Ras Gene
Ras is a superfamily...
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...
Amplifying Signals via Enzymatic Cascade
Receptor Tyrosine Kinases
PI3K/mTOR/AKT Signaling Pathway
mTOR Signaling and Cancer Progression
The mTOR pathway or the...

