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Src kinase activity is regulated by the SHP-1 protein-tyrosine phosphatase

A K Somani1, J S Bignon, G B Mills

  • 1Department of Medicine, University of Toronto and the Samuel Lunenfeld Research Institute, Mount Sinai Hospital, Toronto, Ontario M5G 1X5, Canada.

Insights

The tyrosine phosphatase SHP-1 dephosphorylates and activates the cellular Src tyrosine kinase. SHP-1 deficiency in mice leads to reduced Src kinase activity, highlighting SHP-1

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cellular Signaling
  • Immunology

Background:

  • Cellular Src (c-Src) tyrosine kinase activation requires dephosphorylation of its inhibitory tyrosine site.
  • The role of specific tyrosine phosphatases in c-Src regulation is not fully elucidated.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of SHP-1 tyrosine phosphatase in the activation of cellular Src tyrosine kinase.
  • To determine the interaction between SHP-1 and c-Src in human platelets and lymphocytes.

Main Methods:

  • Isolation and analysis of Src from human platelets and Jurkat T cells.
  • In vitro studies of Src-SHP-1 interaction and phosphorylation.
  • Analysis of Src activity in thymocytes from SHP-1-deficient (motheaten) and wild-type mice.
  • Immunoblotting to assess Src protein activation status.
  • Studies in HEY cells expressing dominant-negative SHP-1.

Main Results:

  • SHP-1 preferentially dephosphorylates the inhibitory site of Src in human platelets and T cells.
  • Src and SHP-1 associate in platelets and lymphocytes; Src can phosphorylate SHP-1.
  • SHP-1-deficient thymocytes exhibit significantly lower Src activity compared to wild-type.
  • Src activity is restored in vitro by SHP-1 exposure in deficient cells.
  • Reduced proportion of active Src in motheaten thymocytes compared to wild-type.
  • Dominant-negative SHP-1 expression leads to reduced Src activity.

Conclusions:

  • SHP-1 tyrosine phosphatase positively regulates the activation of cellular Src tyrosine kinase.
  • SHP-1 plays a critical role in controlling Src kinase activity in lymphocytes and platelets.

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