Structural diversity and evolution of human receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatases

VEPTP inhibition with an extracellular domain targeting antibody did not restore albuminuria in a mouse model of diabetic kidney disease

Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is the leading cause of end-stage kidney disease. DKD is a heterogeneous disease with complex pathophysiology where early endothelial dysfunction is associated with disease progression. The Tie2 receptor and Angiopoietin 1 and 2 ligands are critical for maintaining endothelial cell permeability and integrity. Tie2 signaling is negatively regulated by the endothelial specific transmembrane receptor Vascular Endothelial Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase (VEPTP). Genetic deletion of VEPTP protects from hypertension and diabetes induced renal injury in a mouse model of DKD. Here, we show that VEPTP inhibition with an extracellular domain targeting VEPTP antibody induced Tie2 phosphorylation and improved VEGF-A induced vascular permeability both in vitro and in vivo. Treatment with the VEPTP blocking antibody decreased the renal expression of endothelial activation markers (Angpt2, Edn1, and Icam1) but failed to improve kidney function in db/db uninephrectomized ReninAAV DKD mice.

Beyond VEGF: Angiopoietin-Tie Signaling Pathway in Diabetic Retinopathy

Complications from diabetic retinopathy such as diabetic macular edema (DME) and proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR) constitute leading causes of preventable vision loss in working-age patients. Since vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) plays a major role in the pathogenesis of these complications, VEGF inhibitors have been the cornerstone of their treatment. Anti-VEGF monotherapy is an effective but burdensome treatment for DME. However, due to the intensive and burdensome treatment, most patients in routine clinical practice are undertreated, and therefore, their outcomes are compromised. Even in adequately treated patients, persistent DME is reported anywhere from 30% to 60% depending on the drug used. PDR is currently treated by anti-VEGF, panretinal photocoagulation (PRP) or a combination of both. Similarly, a number of eyes, despite these treatments, continue to progress to tractional retinal detachment and vitreous hemorrhage. Clearly there are other molecular pathways other than VEGF involved in the pathogenesis of DME and PDR. One of these pathways is the angiopoietin-Tie signaling pathway. Angiopoietin 1 (Ang1) plays a major role in maintaining vascular quiescence and stability. It acts as a molecular brake against vascular destabilization and inflammation that is usually promoted by angiopoietin 2 (Ang2). Several pathological conditions including chronic hyperglycemia lead to Ang2 upregulation. Recent regulatory approval of the bi-specific antibody, faricimab, may improve long term outcomes in DME. It targets both the Ang/Tie and VEGF pathways. The YOSEMITE and RHINE were multicenter, double-masked, randomized non-inferiority phase 3 clinical trials that compared faricimab to aflibercept in eyes with center-involved DME. At 12 months of follow-up, faricimab demonstrated non-inferior vision gains, improved anatomic outcomes and a potential for extended dosing when compared to aflibercept. The 2-year results of the YOSEMITE and RHINE trials demonstrated that the anatomic and functional results obtained at the 1 year follow-up were maintained. Short term outcomes of previously treated and treatment-naive eyes with DME that were treated with faricimab during routine clinical practice suggest a beneficial effect of faricimab over other agents. Targeting of Ang2 has been reported by several other means including VE-PTP inhibitors, integrin binding peptide and surrobodies.

Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Receptor Type D Regulates Neuropathic Pain After Nerve Injury via the STING-IFN-I Pathway

Neuropathic pain is usually caused by injury or dysfunction of the somatosensory system, and medicine is a common way of treatment. Currently, there are still no satisfactory drugs, like opioids and lidocaine, which carry a high risk of addiction. Protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type D (PTPRD) is a known therapeutic target in addiction pathways and small molecule inhibitors targeting it, such as 7-butoxy illudalic acid analog (7-BIA), have recently been developed to tackle addition. PTPRD is also upregulated in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) in a rat model of neuropathic pain, but is not yet clear whether PTPRD contributes to the development of neuropathic pain. Here, we established a chronic constriction injury (CCI) and evaluated PTPRD expression and its association with neuropathic pain. PTPRD expression was found to gradually increase after CCI in DRGs, and its expression was concomitant with the progressive development of hypersensitivity as assessed by both mechanical and thermal stimuli. Both PTPRD knockdown and administration of PTPRD inhibitor 7-BIA alleviated CCI-induced neuropathic pain while upregulating STING and IFN-α in the DRG. Treatment with H-151, a STING inhibitor, abolished the analgesic effects of PTPRD knockdown. Taken together, our study suggests that increased levels of PTPRD in the DRG following CCI are involved in the development of neuropathic pain via the STING-IFN-I pathway. 7-BIA, a small molecule inhibitor of PTPRD with anti-addiction effects, may represent a novel and safe therapeutic strategy for the clinical management of neuropathic pain without the risk of addiction.

Shrimp Plasma MANF Works as an Invertebrate Anti-Inflammatory Factor via a Conserved Receptor Tyrosine Phosphatase

For a long time, how anti-inflammatory factors evolved was largely unknown. In this study, we chose a marine invertebrate, Litopenaeus vannamei, as a model and identified that shrimp mesencephalic astrocyte-derived neurotrophic factor (MANF) was an LPS-induced plasma protein, which exerted its anti-inflammatory roles on shrimp hemocytes by suppressing ERK phosphorylation and Dorsal expression. In addition, we demonstrated that shrimp MANF could be associated with a receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase (RPTP) to mediate negative regulation of ERK activation and Dorsal expression. More interestingly, shrimp RPTP-S overexpression in 293T cells could switch shrimp and human MANF-mediated ERK pathway activation to inhibition. In general, our results indicate that this conserved RPTP is the key component for extracellular MANF-mediated ERK pathway inhibition, which gives a possible explanation about why this neurotropic factor could both protect neuron cells from apoptosis and inhibit immune cell M1 activation in various species.

Vascular Endothelial Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Regulates Endothelial Function

Vascular endothelial protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP) is a receptor-type PTP (RPTP), predominantly expressed in vascular endothelial cells. It regulates embryonic and tumor angiogenesis and controls vascular permeability and homeostasis in inflammation. Major substrates are the tyrosine kinase receptor Tie-2 and the adhesion molecule VE-cadherin. This review describes how VE-PTP controls vascular functions by its various substrates and the therapeutic potential of VE-PTP in various pathophysiological settings.

Receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase alpha (PTPα) mediates MMP14 localization and facilitates triple-negative breast cancer cell invasion

The ability of cancer cells to invade surrounding tissues requires degradation of the extracellular matrix (ECM). Invasive structures, such as invadopodia, form on the plasma membranes of cancer cells and secrete ECM-degrading proteases that play crucial roles in cancer cell invasion. We have previously shown that the protein tyrosine phosphatase alpha (PTPα) regulates focal adhesion formation and migration of normal cells. Here we report a novel role for PTPα in promoting triple-negative breast cancer cell invasion in vitro and in vivo. We show that PTPα knockdown reduces ECM degradation and cellular invasion of MDA-MB-231 cells through Matrigel. PTPα is not a component of TKS5-positive structures resembling invadopodia; rather, PTPα localizes with endosomal structures positive for MMP14, caveolin-1, and early endosome antigen 1. Furthermore, PTPα regulates MMP14 localization to plasma membrane protrusions, suggesting a role for PTPα in intracellular trafficking of MMP14. Importantly, we show that orthotopic MDA-MB-231 tumors depleted in PTPα exhibit reduced invasion into the surrounding mammary fat pad. These findings suggest a novel role for PTPα in regulating the invasion of triple-negative breast cancer cells.

miR-631 Inhibits Intrahepatic Metastasis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Targeting PTPRE

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) have been reported to play critical roles in the pathological development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most common cancers in the world. Our study aims to explore the expression, function and mechanism of miR-631 in HCC. Our findings are that expression of miR-631 is significantly down-regulated in HCC tissue compared with that in adjacent non-cancerous tissue, and low expression of miR-631 in HCC tissue is associated with cirrhosis, multiple tumors, incomplete tumor encapsulation, poor tumor differentiation, and high TNM stage. Our test results showed that miR-631 could inhibit migration, invasion, epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and intrahepatic metastasis of HCC. Receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase epsilon (PTPRE) as a downstream target of miR-631 could promote migration, invasion and EMT of HCC cells. Besides, the expression of PTPRE had a negative correlation with the expression of miR-631 both in vivo and in vitro, and increasing expression of PTPRE could reverse inhibitory effects of miR-631 in HCC cells. In sum, our study first demonstrated that miR-631 targeted PTPRE to inhibit intrahepatic metastasis in HCC. We gain insights from these findings into the mechanism of miRNAs regulation in HCC metastasis and further introduce a novel therapeutic target for HCC treatment.

Study of triaryl-based sulfamic acid derivatives as HPTPβ inhibitors

A series of novel triaryl-based sulfamic acid analogs was designed, synthesized and evaluated as inhibitors of human protein tyrosine phosphatase beta (HPTPβ). A novel, easy and efficient synthetic method was developed for target compounds, and the activity determination results showed that most of compounds were good HPTPβ inhibitors. Interestingly, the compounds G4 and G25 with simple structure not only showed potent inhibitory activity on HPTPβ but also had good inhibitory selectivity over other PTPs (PTP1B, SHP2, LAR and TC-PTP). The molecular docking simulation of compounds with the protein HPTPβ helped us understand the structure-activity relationship and clarify some confusing assay results. This research provides references for further drug design of HPTPβ and other PTPs inhibitors.

Fyn Tyrosine Kinase as Harmonizing Factor in Neuronal Functions and Dysfunctions

Fyn is a non-receptor or cytoplasmatic tyrosine kinase (TK) belonging to the Src family kinases (SFKs) involved in multiple transduction pathways in the central nervous system (CNS) including synaptic transmission, myelination, axon guidance, and oligodendrocyte formation. Almost one hundred years after the original description of Fyn, this protein continues to attract extreme interest because of its multiplicity of actions in the molecular signaling pathways underlying neurodevelopmental as well as neuropathologic events. This review highlights and summarizes the most relevant recent findings pertinent to the role that Fyn exerts in the brain, emphasizing aspects related to neurodevelopment and synaptic plasticity. Fyn is a common factor in healthy and diseased brains that targets different proteins and shapes different transduction signals according to the neurological conditions. We will primarily focus on Fyn-mediated signaling pathways involved in neuronal differentiation and plasticity that have been subjected to considerable attention lately, opening the fascinating scenario to target Fyn TK for the development of potential therapeutic interventions for the treatment of CNS injuries and certain neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.

PTPRD: neurobiology, genetics, and initial pharmacology of a pleiotropic contributor to brain phenotypes

Receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase, receptor type D (PTPRD) has likely roles as a neuronal cell adhesion molecule and synaptic specifier. Interest in its neurobiology and genomics has been stimulated by results from human genetics and mouse models for phenotypes related to addiction, restless leg syndrome, neurofibrillary pathology in Alzheimer's disease, cognitive impairment/intellectual disability, mood lability, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. We review PTPRD's discovery, gene family, candidate homomeric and heteromeric binding partners, phosphatase activities, brain distribution, human genetic associations with nervous system phenotypes, and mouse model data relevant to these phenotypes. We discuss the recently reported discovery of the first small molecule inhibitor of PTPRD phosphatase, the identification of its addiction-related effects, and the implications of these findings for the PTPRD-associated brain phenotypes. In assembling PTPRD neurobiology, human genetics, and mouse genetic and pharmacological datasets, we provide a compelling picture of the roles played by PTPRD, its variation, and its potential as a target for novel therapeutics.

The functions of caspase in whitefly Bemisia tabaci apoptosis in response to ultraviolet irradiation

Whiteflies (Bemisia tabaci) are phloem feeders, and some invasive species are composed of cryptic species complexes that cause extensive crop damage, particularly via the direct transmission of plant viruses. Apoptosis is a type of programmed cell death essential for organismal development and tissue homeostasis. The caspases belong to a family of cysteine proteases that play a central role in the initiation of apoptosis in many organisms. Here, we employed a comprehensive genomics approach to identity caspases in B. tabaci Middle East Asia Minor 1 (MEAM1), an invasive whitefly that carries a cryptic species complex that is devastating to crops. Four caspase genes were identified, and their motif compositions were predicted. Structures were relatively conserved in both putative effector and initiator caspases. Expression patterns of caspase genes differed across insect developmental stages. Three caspase genes were induced immediately after ultraviolet (UV) treatment. Expression levels of Bt-caspase-1 and Bt-caspase-3b increased in the midgut and salivary glands during apoptosis induced by UV treatments, whereas silencing of both genes reduced UV-triggered apoptosis. Our study demonstrates that Bt-caspase-1 and Bt-caspase-3b, respectively, act as putative initiator and effector apoptotic caspases in the MEAM1 whitefly.

Synthesis and biological evaluation of (3'-amino-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl) sulfamic acid derivatives as novel HPTPβ inhibitors

A series of novel (3'-amino-[1,1'-biphenyl]-4-yl) sulfamic acid derivatives were designed as nonphosphonate-based phosphotyrosy (pTyr) mimetics, synthesized and screened for use as HPTPβ inhibitors. Compounds C22 and C2 showed favorable HPTPβ inhibitory activity and better selectivity for HPTPβ than for PTP1B and SHP2. Docking results suggested that compounds C2 and C22 could not only efficiently fit into the catalytic site of the HPTPβ enzyme but also interact with the Lys1807, Arg1809 and Lys1811 residues of the secondary binding site, which was next to the catalytic center of the enzyme. The mode of interaction of the synthesized compound with the protein was different from the one found in a complex crystal of small molecules with HPTPβ (2I4H), in which the inhibitory molecule formed hydrogen bonds with the Gln1948 and Asn1735 residues of the secondary binding site.

Collagen regulates the ability of endothelial progenitor cells to protect hypoxic myocardium through a mechanism involving miR-377/VE-PTP axis

The possibility to employ stem/progenitor cells in the cardiovascular remodelling after myocardial infarction is one of the main queries of regenerative medicine. To investigate whether endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) participate in the restoration of hypoxia-affected myocardium, we used a co-culture model that allowed the intimate interaction between EPCs and myocardial slices, mimicking stem cell transplantation into the ischaemic heart. On this model, we showed that EPCs engrafted to some extent and only transiently survived into the host tissue, yet produced visible protective effects, in terms of angiogenesis and protection against apoptosis and identified miR-377-VE-PTP axis as being involved in the protective effects of EPCs in hypoxic myocardium. We also showed that collagen, the main component of the myocardial scar, was important for these protective effects by preserving VE-PTP levels, which were otherwise diminished by miR-377. By this, a good face of the scar is revealed, which was so far perceived as having only detrimental impact on the exogenously delivered stem/progenitor cells by affecting not only the engraftment, but also the general protective effects of stem cells.

The roles of protein tyrosine phosphatases in bone-resorbing osteoclasts

Maintaining the proper balance between osteoblast-mediated production of bone and its degradation by osteoclasts is essential for health. Osteoclasts are giant phagocytic cells that are formed by fusion of monocyte-macrophage precursor cells; mature osteoclasts adhere to bone tightly and secrete protons and proteases that degrade its matrix. Phosphorylation of tyrosine residues in proteins, which is regulated by the biochemically-antagonistic activities of protein tyrosine kinases and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs), is central in regulating the production of osteoclasts and their bone-resorbing activity. Here we review the roles of individual PTPs of the classical and dual-specificity sub-families that are known to support these processes (SHP2, cyt-PTPe, PTPRO, PTP-PEST, CD45) or to inhibit them (SHP1, PTEN, MKP1). Characterizing the functions of PTPs in osteoclasts is essential for complete molecular level understanding of bone resorption and for designing novel therapeutic approaches for treating bone disease.

Susceptibility to neurofibrillary tangles: role of the PTPRD locus and limited pleiotropy with other neuropathologies

Tauopathies, including Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other neurodegenerative conditions, are defined by a pathological hallmark: neurofibrillary tangles (NFTs). NFT accumulation is thought to be closely linked to cognitive decline in AD. Here, we perform a genome-wide association study for NFT pathologic burden and report the association of the PTPRD locus (rs560380, P=3.8 × 10^-8) in 909 prospective autopsies. The association is replicated in an independent data set of 369 autopsies. The association of PTPRD with NFT is not dependent on the accumulation of amyloid pathology. In contrast, we found that the ZCWPW1 AD susceptibility variant influences NFT accumulation and that this effect is mediated by an accumulation of amyloid β plaques. We also performed complementary analyses to identify common pathways that influence multiple neuropathologies that coexist with NFT and found suggestive evidence that certain loci may influence multiple different neuropathological traits, including tau, amyloid β plaques, vascular injury and Lewy bodies. Overall, these analyses offer an evaluation of genetic susceptibility to NFT, a common end point for multiple different pathologic processes.

Targeting Tie2 for Treatment of Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema

Tie2 is a tyrosine kinase receptor located predominantly on vascular endothelial cells that plays a central role in vascular stability. Angiopoietin-1 (Angpt1), produced by perivascular cells, binds, clusters, and activates Tie2, leading to Tie2 autophosphorylation and downstream signaling. Activated Tie2 increases endothelial cell survival, adhesion, and cell junction integrity, thereby stabilizing the vasculature. Angiopoietin-2 (Angpt2) and vascular endothelial-protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP) are negative regulators increased by hypoxia; they inactivate Tie2, destabilizing the vasculature and increasing responsiveness to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and other inflammatory cytokines that stimulate vascular leakage and neovascularization. AKB-9778 is a small-molecule antagonist of VE-PTP which increases phosphorylation of Tie2 even in the presence of high Angpt2 levels. In preclinical studies, AKB-9778 reduced VEGF-induced leakage and ocular neovascularization (NV) and showed additive benefit when combined with VEGF suppression. In two clinical trials in diabetic macular edema (DME) patients, subcutaneous injections of AKB-9778 were safe and provided added benefit to VEGF suppression. Preliminary data suggest that AKB-9778 monotherapy improves diabetic retinopathy. These data suggest that Tie2 activation may be a valuable strategy to treat or prevent diabetic retinopathy.

Molecular pathogenesis of retinal and choroidal vascular diseases

There are two major types of ocular neovascularization that affect the retina, retinal neovascularization (NV) and subretinal or choroidal NV. Retinal NV occurs in a group of diseases referred to as ischemic retinopathies in which damage to retinal vessels results in retinal ischemia. Most prevalent of these are diabetic retinopathy and retinal vein occlusions. Subretinal and choroidal NV occur in diseases of the outer retina and Bruch's membrane, the most prevalent of which is age-related macular degeneration. Numerous studies in mouse models have helped to elucidate the molecular pathogenesis underlying retinal, subretinal, and choroidal NV. There is considerable overlap because the precipitating event in each is stabilization of hypoxia inducible factor-1 (HIF-1) which leads to upregulation of several hypoxia-regulated gene products, including vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), angiopoietin 2, vascular endothelial-protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP), and several others. Stimulation of VEGF signaling and suppression of Tie2 by angiopoietin 2 and VE-PTP are critical for sprouting of retinal, subretinal, and choroidal NV, with perturbation of Bruch's membrane also needed for the latter. Additional HIF-1-regulated gene products cause further stimulation of the NV. It is difficult to model macular edema in animals and therefore proof-of-concept clinical trials were done and demonstrated that VEGF plays a central role and that suppression of Tie2 is also important. Neutralization of VEGF is currently the first line therapy for all of the above disease processes, but new treatments directed at some of the other molecular targets, particularly stabilization of Tie2, are likely to provide additional benefit for subretinal/choroidal NV and macular edema. In addition, the chronicity of these diseases as well as the implication of VEGF as a cause of retinal nonperfusion and progression of background diabetic retinopathy make sustained delivery approaches for VEGF antagonists a priority.

Targeting VE-PTP activates TIE2 and stabilizes the ocular vasculature

Retinal and choroidal neovascularization (NV) and vascular leakage contribute to visual impairment in several common ocular diseases. The angiopoietin/TIE2 (ANG/TIE2) pathway maintains vascular integrity, and negative regulators of this pathway are potential therapeutic targets for these diseases. Here, we demonstrated that vascular endothelial-protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP), which negatively regulates TIE2 activation, is upregulated in hypoxic vascular endothelial cells, particularly in retinal NV. Intraocular injection of an anti-VE-PTP antibody previously shown to activate TIE2 suppressed ocular NV. Furthermore, a small-molecule inhibitor of VE-PTP catalytic activity (AKB-9778) activated TIE2, enhanced ANG1-induced TIE2 activation, and stimulated phosphorylation of signaling molecules in the TIE2 pathway, including AKT, eNOS, and ERK. In mouse models of neovascular age-related macular degeneration, AKB-9778 induced phosphorylation of TIE2 and strongly suppressed NV. Ischemia-induced retinal NV, which is relevant to diabetic retinopathy, was accentuated by the induction of ANG2 but inhibited by AKB-9778, even in the presence of high levels of ANG2. AKB-9778 also blocked VEGF-induced leakage from dermal and retinal vessels and prevented exudative retinal detachments in double-transgenic mice with high expression of VEGF in photoreceptors. These data support targeting VE-PTP to stabilize retinal and choroidal blood vessels and suggest that this strategy has potential for patients with a wide variety of retinal and choroidal vascular diseases.

PTP1B inhibitors for type 2 diabetes treatment: a patent review (2011 - 2014)

INTRODUCTION

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) plays an important role in the negative regulation of insulin signal transduction pathway and has emerged as novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. PTP1B inhibitors enhance the sensibility of insulin receptor (IR) and have favorable curing effect for insulin resistance-related diseases. A large number of PTP1B inhibitors, either synthetic or isolated as bioactive agents from natural products, have developed and investigated for their ability to stimulate insulin signaling.

AREAS COVERED

This review includes an updated summary (2011 - 2014) of PTP1B inhibitors that have been published in patent applications, with an emphasis on their chemical structure, mode of action and therapeutic outcomes. The usefulness of PTP1B inhibitors as pharmaceutical agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes is also discussed.

EXPERT OPINION

PTP1B inhibitors show beneficial effects to enhance sensibility of IR by restricting the activity of enzyme and have favorable curing effects. However, structural homologies in the catalytic domain of PTP1B with other protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) like leukocyte common antigen-related, CD45, SHP-2 and T-cell-PTP present a challenging task of achieving selectivity. Thus, for therapeutic application of PTP1B inhibitors, highly selective molecules exhibiting desired effects without side effects are expected to find clinical application.

Bi-domain protein tyrosine phosphatases reveal an evolutionary adaptation to optimize signal transduction

SIGNIFICANCE

The bi-domain protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) exemplify functional evolution in signaling proteins for optimal spatiotemporal signal transduction. Bi-domain PTPs are products of gene duplication. The catalytic activity, however, is often localized to one PTP domain. The inactive PTP domain adopts multiple functional roles. These include modulation of catalytic activity, substrate specificity, and stability of the bi-domain enzyme. In some cases, the inactive PTP domain is a receptor for redox stimuli. Since multiple bi-domain PTPs are concurrently active in related cellular pathways, a stringent regulatory mechanism and selective cross-talk is essential to ensure fidelity in signal transduction.

RECENT ADVANCES

The inactive PTP domain is an activator for the catalytic PTP domain in some cases, whereas it reduces catalytic activity in other bi-domain PTPs. The relative orientation of the two domains provides a conformational rationale for this regulatory mechanism. Recent structural and biochemical data reveal that these PTP domains participate in substrate recruitment. The inactive PTP domain has also been demonstrated to undergo substantial conformational rearrangement and oligomerization under oxidative stress.

CRITICAL ISSUES AND FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The role of the inactive PTP domain in coupling environmental stimuli with catalytic activity needs to be further examined. Another aspect that merits attention is the role of this domain in substrate recruitment. These aspects have been poorly characterized in vivo. These lacunae currently restrict our understanding of neo-functionalization of the inactive PTP domain in the bi-domain enzyme. It appears likely that more data from these research themes could form the basis for understanding the fidelity in intracellular signal transduction.

Protein tyrosine phosphatases ε and α perform nonredundant roles in osteoclasts

The closely related tyrosine phosphatases PTPa and PTPe fulfill distinct roles in osteoclasts. The various effects of each PTP on podosome organization in osteoclasts are caused by their distinct N-termini. The function of PTPe in these cells requires the presence of its 12 N-terminal residues, in particular serine 2.

Female mice lacking protein tyrosine phosphatase ε (PTP ε) are mildly osteopetrotic. Osteoclasts from these mice resorb bone matrix poorly, and the structure, stability, and cellular organization of their podosomal adhesion structures are abnormal. Here we compare the role of PTP ε with that of the closely related PTP α in osteoclasts. We show that bone mass and bone production and resorption, as well as production, structure, function, and podosome organization of osteoclasts, are unchanged in mice lacking PTP α. The varying effects of either PTP on podosome organization in osteoclasts are caused by their distinct N-termini. Osteoclasts express the receptor-type PTP α (RPTPa), which is absent from podosomes, and the nonreceptor form of PTP ε (cyt-PTPe), which is present in these structures. The presence of the unique 12 N-terminal residues of cyt-PTPe is essential for podosome regulation; attaching this sequence to the catalytic domains of PTP α enables them to function in osteoclasts. Serine 2 within this sequence regulates cyt-PTPe activity and its effects on podosomes. We conclude that PTPs α and ε play distinct roles in osteoclasts and that the N-terminus of cyt-PTPe, in particular serine 2, is critical for its function in these cells.

Shear stress-induced redistribution of vascular endothelial-protein-tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP) in endothelial cells and its role in cell elongation

Vascular endothelial cells (ECs) are continuously exposed to shear stress (SS) generated by blood flow. Such stress plays a key role in regulation of various aspects of EC function including cell proliferation and motility as well as changes in cell morphology. Vascular endothelial-protein-tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP) is an R3-subtype PTP that possesses multiple fibronectin type III-like domains in its extracellular region and is expressed specifically in ECs. The role of VE-PTP in EC responses to SS has remained unknown, however. Here we show that VE-PTP is diffusely localized in ECs maintained under static culture conditions, whereas it undergoes rapid accumulation at the downstream edge of the cells relative to the direction of flow in response to SS. This redistribution of VE-PTP triggered by SS was found to require its extracellular and transmembrane regions and was promoted by integrin engagement of extracellular matrix ligands. Inhibition of actin polymerization or of Cdc42, Rab5, or Arf6 activities attenuated the SS-induced redistribution of VE-PTP. VE-PTP also underwent endocytosis in the static and SS conditions. SS induced the polarized distribution of internalized VE-PTP. Such an effect was promoted by integrin engagement of fibronectin but prevented by inhibition of Cdc42 activity or of actin polymerization. In addition, depletion of VE-PTP by RNA interference in human umbilical vein ECs blocked cell elongation in the direction of flow induced by SS. Our results suggest that the polarized redistribution of VE-PTP in response to SS plays an important role in the regulation of EC function by blood flow.

Receptor protein-tyrosine phosphatase α regulates focal adhesion kinase phosphorylation and ErbB2 oncoprotein-mediated mammary epithelial cell motility

We investigated the role of protein-tyrosine phosphatase α (PTPα) in regulating signaling by the ErbB2 oncoprotein in mammary epithelial cells. Using this model, we demonstrated that activation of ErbB2 led to the transient inactivation of PTPα, suggesting that attenuation of PTPα activity may contribute to enhanced ErbB2 signaling. Furthermore, RNAi-induced suppression of PTPα led to increased cell migration in an ErbB2-dependent manner. The ability of ErbB2 to increase cell motility in the absence of PTPα was characterized by prolonged interaction of GRB7 with ErbB2 and increased association of ErbB2 with a β1-integrin-rich complex, which depended on GRB7-SH2 domain interactions. Finally, suppression of PTPα resulted in increased phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase on Tyr-407, which induced the recruitment of vinculin and the formation of a novel focal adhesion kinase complex in response to ErbB2 activation in mammary epithelial cells. Collectively, these results reveal a new role for PTPα in the regulation of motility of mammary epithelial cells in response to ErbB2 activation.

Curious cases: Altered dose-response relationships in addiction genetics

Dose-response relationships for most addictive substances are "inverted U"-shaped. Addictive substances produce both positive features that include reward, euphoria, anxiolysis, withdrawal-relief, and negative features that include aversion, dysphoria, anxiety and withdrawal symptoms. A simple model differentially associates ascending and descending limbs of dose-response curves with rewarding and aversive influences, respectively. However, Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) diagnoses of substance dependence fail to incorporate dose-response criteria and don't directly consider balances between euphoric and dysphoric drug effects. Classical genetic studies document substantial heritable influences on DSM substance dependence. Linkage and genome-wide association studies identify modest-sized effects at any locus. Nevertheless, clusters of SNPs within selected genes display 10(-2)>p>10(-8) associations with dependence in many independent samples. For several of these genes, evidence for cis-regulatory, level-of-expression differences supports the validity of mouse models in which levels of expression are also altered. This review documents surprising, recently defined cases in which convergent evidence from humans and mouse models supports central influences of altered dose-response relationships in mediating the impact of relevant genomic variation on addiction phenotypes. For variation at loci for the α5 nicotinic acetylcholine receptor, cadherin 13, receptor type protein tyrosine phosphatase Δ and neuronal cell adhesion molecule genes, changed dose-response relationships conferred by gene knockouts in mice are accompanied by supporting human data. These observations emphasize desirability of carefully elucidating dose-response relationships for both rewarding and aversive features of abused substances wherever possible. They motivate consideration of individual differences in dose-response relationships in addiction nosology and therapeutics.

Phosphatase regulation of intercellular junctions

Intercellular junctions represent the key contact points and sites of communication between neighboring cells. Assembly of these junctions is absolutely essential for the structural integrity of cell monolayers, tissues and organs. Disruption of junctions can have severe consequences such as diarrhea, edema and sepsis, and contribute to the development of chronic inflammatory diseases. Cell junctions are not static structures, but rather they represent highly dynamic micro-domains that respond to signals from the intracellular and extracellular environments to modify their composition and function. This review article will focus on the regulation of tight junctions and adherens junctions by phosphatase enzymes that play an essential role in preserving and modulating the properties of intercellular junction proteins.

Role of PTPα in the destruction of periodontal connective tissues

IL-1β contributes to connective tissue destruction in part by up-regulating stromelysin-1 (MMP-3), which in fibroblasts is a focal adhesion-dependent process. Protein tyrosine phosphatase-α (PTPα) is enriched in and regulates the formation of focal adhesions, but the role of PTPα in connective tissue destruction is not defined. We first examined destruction of periodontal connective tissues in adult PTPα^+/+ and PTPα^−/− mice subjected to ligature-induced periodontitis, which increases the levels of multiple cytokines, including IL-1β. Three weeks after ligation, maxillae were processed for morphometry, micro-computed tomography and histomorphometry. Compared with unligated controls, there was ∼1.5–3 times greater bone loss as well as 3-fold reduction of the thickness of the gingival lamina propria and 20-fold reduction of the amount of collagen fibers in WT than PTPα^−/− mice. Immunohistochemical staining of periodontal tissue showed elevated expression of MMP-3 at ligated sites. Second, to examine mechanisms by which PTPα may regulate matrix degradation, human MMP arrays were used to screen conditioned media from human gingival fibroblasts treated with vehicle, IL-1β or TNFα. Although MMP-3 was upregulated by both cytokines, only IL-1β stimulated ERK activation in human gingival fibroblasts plated on fibronectin. TIRF microscopy and immunoblotting analyses of cells depleted of PTPα activity with the use of various mutated constructs or with siRNA or PTPα^KO and matched wild type fibroblasts were plated on fibronectin to enable focal adhesion formation and stimulated with IL-1β. These data showed that the catalytic and adaptor functions of PTPα were required for IL-1β-induced focal adhesion formation, ERK activation and MMP-3 release. We conclude that inflammation-induced connective tissue degradation involving fibroblasts requires functionally active PTPα and in part is mediated by IL-1β signaling through focal adhesions.

Receptor-type Protein tyrosine phosphatase β regulates met phosphorylation and function in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma

Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) is the sixth most common cancer and has a high rate of mortality. Emerging evidence indicates that hepatocyte growth factor receptor (or Met) pathway plays a pivotal role in HNSCC metastasis and resistance to chemotherapy. Met function is dependent on tyrosine phosphorylation that is under direct control by receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase β (RPTP-β). We report here that RPTP-β expression is significantly downregulated in HNSCC cells derived from metastatic tumors compared to subject-matched cells from primary tumors. Knockdown of endogenous RPTP-β in HNSCC cells from primary tumor potentiated Met tyrosine phosphorylation, downstream mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase pathway activation, cell migration, and invasion. Conversely, restoration of RPTP-β expression in cells from matched metastatic tumor decreased Met tyrosine phosphorylation and downstream functions. Furthermore, we observed that six of eight HNSCC tumors had reduced levels of RPTP-β protein in comparison with normal oral tissues. Collectively, the results demonstrate the importance of RPTP-β in tumor biology of HNSCC through direct dephosphorylation of Met and regulation of downstream signal transduction pathways. Reduced RPTP-β levels, with or without Met overexpression, could promote Met activation in HNSCC tumors.

PTPα-mediated Src activation by EGF in human breast cancer cells

Protein tyrosine phosphatase alpha (PTPα) functions as an activator of Src by dephosphorylating Tyr527/530, a critical negative regulatory site. The increase of PTPα catalytic activity requires its phosphorylation at Ser180 and/or Ser204 and its dissociation from PTPα/Grb2 complex. Here, we show that epidermal growth factor (EGF) stimulation increases the ability of PTPα to activate Src by dephosphorylating Tyr530 in BT-20 and SKBR3 breast cancer cell lines. Treatment of these cells with EGF transiently decreased the association of PTPα with Grb2 and enhanced PTPα catalytic activity via Ser180 and Ser204 phosphorylation that was blocked by the protein kinase C delta (PKCδ) inhibitor rottlerin or knockdown of PKCδ by siRNA or by the overexpression of PTPαS180A/S204A mutant. PTPα siRNA blocked EGF-mediated Src activation in cancer cells and inhibited on colony formation, whereas control siRNA did not. These results suggested that PTPα links activation of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling with Src activation and may provide a novel therapeutic target for treatment of breast cancer.

Receptor type protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) - roles in signal transduction and human disease

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is a fundamental regulatory mechanism controlling cell proliferation, differentiation, communication, and adhesion. Disruption of this key regulatory mechanism contributes to a variety of human diseases including cancer, diabetes, and auto-immune diseases. Net protein tyrosine phosphorylation is determined by the dynamic balance of the activity of protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Mammals express many distinct PTKs and PTPs. Both of these families can be sub-divided into non-receptor and receptor subtypes. Receptor protein tyrosine kinases (RPTKs) comprise a large family of cell surface proteins that initiate intracellular tyrosine phosphorylation-dependent signal transduction in response to binding of extracellular ligands, such as growth factors and cytokines. Receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) are enzymatic and functional counterparts of RPTKs. RPTPs are a family of integral cell surface proteins that possess intracellular PTP activity, and extracellular domains that have sequence homology to cell adhesion molecules. In comparison to extensively studied RPTKs, much less is known about RPTPs, especially regarding their substrate specificities, regulatory mechanisms, biological functions, and their roles in human diseases. Based on the structure of their extracellular domains, the RPTP family can be grouped into eight sub-families. This article will review one representative member from each RPTP sub-family.

Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases and cancer: new insights from structural biology

There is general agreement that many cancers are associated with aberrant phosphotyrosine signaling, which can be caused by the inappropriate activities of tyrosine kinases or tyrosine phosphatases. Furthermore, incorrect activation of signaling pathways has been often linked to changes in adhesion events mediated by cell surface receptors. Among these receptors, receptor protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) both antagonize tyrosine kinases as well as engage extracellular ligands. A recent wealth of data on this intriguing family indicates that its members can fulfill either tumor suppressing or oncogenic roles. The interpretation of these results at a molecular level has been greatly facilitated by the recent availability of structural information on the extra- and intracellular regions of RPTPs. These structures provide a molecular framework to understand how alterations in extracellular interactions can inactivate RPTPs in cancers or why the overexpression of certain RPTPs may also participate in tumor progression.

Proteolytic processing of the protein tyrosine phosphatase α extracellular domain is mediated by ADAM17/TACE

The receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase alpha (PTPα) is involved in the regulation of tyrosine kinases like the Src kinase and the insulin receptor. As with other PTPs, its function is determined by alternative splicing, dimerisation, phosphorylation and proteolytical processing. PTPα is cleaved by calpain in its intracellular domain, which decreases its potential to dephosphorylate Src kinase. Here, we demonstrate that PTPα is also processed in the extracellular domain. Extracellular processing was exclusively found for a splice variant containing an extra nine amino acid insert three residues amino-terminal from the transmembrane domain. Processing was sensitive to the metalloprotease-inhibitor Batimastat, and CHO-M2 cells lacking a disintegrin and metalloproteinase 17 (ADAM17; tumor-necrosis-factor α converting enzyme) activity were not able to cleave PTPα. After transient overexpression of ADAM17 and PTPα in these cells, processing was restored, proving that ADAM17 is involved in this process. Further characterization of the consequences of processing revealed that dephosphorylation of the insulin receptor or activation of Src was not affected but focus formation was reduced. We conclude that extracellular proteolytic processing is a novel mechanism for PTPα regulation.

The role of protein tyrosine phosphatases in colorectal cancer

Colorectal cancer is one of the most common oncogenic diseases in the Western world. Several cancer associated cellular pathways have been identified, in which protein phosphorylation and dephosphorylation, especially on tyrosine residues, are one of most abundant regulatory mechanisms. The balance between these processes is under tight control by protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Aberrant activity of oncogenic PTKs is present in a large portion of human cancers. Because of the counteracting role of PTPs on phosphorylation-based activation of signal pathways, it has long been thought that PTPs must act as tumor suppressors. This dogma is now being challenged, with recent evidence showing that dephosphorylation events induced by some PTPs may actually stimulate tumor formation. As such, PTPs might form a novel attractive target for anticancer therapy. In this review, we summarize the action of different PTPs, the consequences of their altered expression in colorectal cancer, and their potential as target for the treatment of this deadly disease.

Regulation of SRC family kinases in human cancers

The nonreceptor protein tyrosine kinase Src plays a crucial role in the signal transduction pathways involved in cell division, motility, adhesion, and survival in both normal and cancer cells. Although the Src family kinases (SFKs) are activated in various types of cancers, the exact mechanisms through which they contribute to the progression of individual tumors remain to be defined. The activation of Src in human cancers may occur through a variety of mechanisms that include domain interaction and structural remodeling in response to various activators or upstream kinases and phosphatastes. Because of Src's prominent roles in invasion and tumor progression, epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition, angiogenesis, and the development of metastasis, Src is a promising target for cancer therapy. Several small molecule inhibitors of Src are currently being investigated in clinical trials. In this article, we will summarize the mechanisms regulating Src kinase activity in normal and cancer cells and discuss the status of Src inhibitor development against various types of cancers.

Receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase beta (RPTP-beta) directly dephosphorylates and regulates hepatocyte growth factor receptor (HGFR/Met) function

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is a ubiquitous, fundamental biochemical mechanism that regulates essential eukaryotic cellular functions. The level of tyrosine phosphorylation of specific proteins is finely tuned by the dynamic balance between protein tyrosine kinase and protein tyrosine phosphatase activities. Hepatocyte growth factor receptor (also known as Met), a receptor protein tyrosine kinase, is a major regulator of proliferation, migration, and survival for many epithelial cell types. We report here that receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatase β (RPTP-β) specifically dephosphorylates Met and thereby regulates its function. Expression of RPTP-β, but not other RPTP family members or catalytically inactive forms of RPTP-β, reduces hepatocyte growth factor (HGF)-stimulated Met tyrosine phosphorylation in HEK293 cells. Expression of RPTP-β in primary human keratinocytes reduces both basal and HGF-induced Met phosphorylation at tyrosine 1356 and inhibits downstream MEK1/2 and Erk activation. Furthermore, shRNA-mediated knockdown of endogenous RPTP-β increases basal and HGF-stimulated Met phosphorylation at tyrosine 1356 in primary human keratinocytes. Purified RPTP-β intracellular domain preferentially dephosphorylates purified Met at tyrosine 1356 in vitro. In addition, the substrate-trapping mutant of RPTP-β specifically interacts with Met in intact cells. Expression of RPTP-β in human primary keratinocytes reduces HGF induction of VEGF expression, proliferation, and motility. Taken together, the above data indicate that RPTP-β is a key regulator of Met function.

Inhibition of RhoA GTPase and the subsequent activation of PTP1B protects cultured hippocampal neurons against amyloid β toxicity

Background

Amyloid beta (Aβ) is the main agent responsible for the advent and progression of Alzheimer's disease. This peptide can at least partially antagonize nerve growth factor (NGF) signalling in neurons, which may be responsible for some of the effects produced by Aβ. Accordingly, better understanding the NGF signalling pathway may provide clues as to how to protect neurons from the toxic effects of Aβ.

Results

We show here that Aβ activates the RhoA GTPase by binding to p75^NTR, thereby preventing the NGF-induced activation of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) that is required for neuron survival. We also show that the inactivation of RhoA GTPase and the activation of PTP1B protect cultured hippocampal neurons against the noxious effects of Aβ. Indeed, either pharmacological inhibition of RhoA with C3 ADP ribosyl transferase or the transfection of cultured neurons with a dominant negative form of RhoA protects cultured hippocampal neurons from the effects of Aβ. In addition, over-expression of PTP1B also prevents the deleterious effects of Aβ on cultured hippocampal neurons.

Conclusion

Our findings indicate that potentiating the activity of NGF at the level of RhoA inactivation and PTP1B activation may represent a new means to combat the noxious effects of Aβ in Alzheimer's disease.

Expression, localization, and biological function of the R3 subtype of receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatases in mammals

The R3 subtype of receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatases (RPTPs) includes VE-PTP, DEP-1, PTPRO, and SAP-1. All of these enzymes share a similar structure, with a single catalytic domain and putative tyrosine phosphorylation sites in the cytoplasmic region and fibronectin type III-like domains in the extracellular region. The expression of each R3 RPTP is largely restricted to a single or limited number of cell types, with VE-PTP and DEP-1 being expressed in endothelial or hematopoietic cells, PTPRO in neurons and in podocytes of the renal glomerulus, and SAP-1 in gastrointestinal epithelial cells. In addition, these RPTPs are localized specifically at the apical surface of polarized cells. The structure, expression, and localization of the R3 RPTPs suggest that they perform tissue-specific functions and that they might act through a common mechanism that includes activation of Src family kinases. In this review, we describe recent insights into R3-subtype RPTPs, particularly those of mammals.

Extracellular domain dependence of PTPalpha transforming activity

Two isoforms of the transmembrane protein tyrosine phosphatase PTPalpha, which differ by nine amino acids in their extracellular regions, are expressed in a tissue-specific manner. Over-expression of the shorter isoform transforms rodent cells, and it has previously been reasonable to assume that this was a direct consequence of its dephosphorylation and activation of Src. Transformation by the longer wild-type isoform has not previously been studied. We tested the activities of both isoforms in NIH3T3 cells and found that, while both dephosphorylated and activated Src similarly, only the shorter isoform induced focus formation or anchorage-independent growth. Differences in phosphorylation of PTPalpha at its known regulatory sites, Grb2 binding to PTPalpha, phosphorylation level of focal adhesion kinase by PTPalpha, or overall localization were excluded as possible explanations for the differences in transforming activities. The results suggest that transformation by PTPalpha involves at least one function other than, or in addition to, its activation of Src and that this depends on PTPalpha's extracellular domain. Previous studies have suggested that PTPalpha might be a useful target in breast and colon cancer therapy, and the results presented here suggest that it may be advantageous to develop isoform-specific therapeutic reagents.

Tyrosine phosphorylation of R3 subtype receptor-type protein tyrosine phosphatases and their complex formations with Grb2 or Fyn

Post-translational modification of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) is implicated in functional modulation of these enzymes. Stomach cancer-associated protein tyrosine phosphatase-1 (SAP-1), as well as protein tyrosine phosphatase receptor type O (PTPRO) and vascular endothelial-protein tyrosine phosphatase (VE-PTP) are receptor-type PTPs (RPTPs), which belong to the R3 subtype RPTP family. Here, we have shown that the carboxyl (COOH)-terminal region of SAP-1 undergoes tyrosine phosphorylation by the treatment with a PTP inhibitor. Src family kinases are important for the tyrosine phosphorylation of SAP-1. Either Grb2 or Fyn, through their Src homology-2 domains, bound to the tyrosine-phosphorylated SAP-1. Moreover, both PTPRO and VE-PTP underwent tyrosine phosphorylation in their COOH-terminal regions. Tyrosine phosphorylation of VE-PTP or PTPRO also promoted their complex formations with Grb2 or Fyn. Forced expression of SAP-1, PTPRO or VE-PTP promoted cell spreading and lamellipodium formation of fibroblasts that expressed an activated form of Ras. In contrast, such effects of non-tyrosine-phosphorylated forms of these RPTPs were markedly smaller than those of wild-type RPTPs. Our results thus suggest that tyrosine phosphorylation of R3 subtype RPTPs promotes their complex formations with Grb2 or Fyn and thus participates in the regulation of cell morphology.

Serine dephosphorylation of receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase alpha in mitosis induces Src binding and activation

Receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase alpha (RPTPalpha) is the mitotic activator of the protein tyrosine kinase Src. RPTPalpha serine hyperphosphorylation was proposed to mediate mitotic activation of Src. We raised phosphospecific antibodies to the two main serine phosphorylation sites, and we discovered that RPTPalpha Ser204 was almost completely dephosphorylated in mitotic NIH 3T3 and HeLa cells, whereas Ser180 and Tyr789 phosphorylation were only marginally reduced in mitosis. Concomitantly, Src pTyr527 and pTyr416 were dephosphorylated, resulting in 2.3-fold activation of Src in mitosis. Using inhibitors and knockdown experiments, we demonstrated that dephosphorylation of RPTPalpha pSer204 in mitosis was mediated by PP2A. Mutation of Ser204 to Ala did not activate RPTPalpha, and intrinsic catalytic activity of RPTPalpha was not affected in mitosis. Interestingly, binding of endogenous Src to RPTPalpha was induced in mitosis. GRB2 binding to RPTPalpha, which was proposed to compete with Src binding to RPTPalpha, was only modestly reduced in mitosis, which could not account for enhanced Src binding. Moreover, we demonstrate that Src bound to mutant RPTPalpha-Y789F, lacking the GRB2 binding site, and mutant Src with an impaired Src homology 2 (SH2) domain bound to RPTPalpha, illustrating that Src binding to RPTPalpha is not mediated by a pTyr-SH2 interaction. Mutation of RPTPalpha Ser204 to Asp, mimicking phosphorylation, reduced coimmunoprecipitation with Src, suggesting that phosphorylation of Ser204 prohibits binding to Src. Based on our results, we propose a new model for mitotic activation of Src in which PP2A-mediated dephosphorylation of RPTPalpha pSer204 facilitates Src binding, leading to RPTPalpha-mediated dephosphorylation of Src pTyr527 and pTyr416 and hence modest activation of Src.

Vici syndrome associated with sensorineural hearing loss and evidence of neuromuscular involvement on muscle biopsy

Vici syndrome is a rare, genetically unresolved congenital multisystem disorder comprising agenesis of the corpus callosum, cataracts, immunodeficiency, cardiomyopathy, and hypopigmentation. An associated neuromuscular phenotype has not previously been described in detail. We report on an infant with clinical features suggestive of Vici syndrome and additional sensorineural hearing loss. Muscle biopsy revealed several changes including markedly increased variability in fiber size, increased internal nuclei, and abnormalities on Gomori trichrome and oxidative stains, raising a wide differential diagnosis including neurogenic atrophy, centronuclear myopathy (CNM) or a metabolic (mitochondrial) cytopathy. Respiratory chain enzyme studies, however, were normal and sequencing of common CNM-associated genes did not reveal any mutations. This case expands the clinical spectrum of Vici syndrome and indicates that muscle biopsy ought to be considered in infants presenting with suggestive clinical features. In addition, we suggest that Vici syndrome is considered in the differential diagnosis of infants presenting with congenital callosal agenesis and that additional investigation has to address the possibility of associated ocular, auditory, cardiac, and immunologic involvement when this radiologic finding is present.

NGF-activated protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B mediates the phosphorylation and degradation of I-kappa-Balpha coupled to NF-kappa-B activation, thereby controlling dendrite morphology

NGF diminishes dendrite complexity in cultured hippocampal neurons by decreasing the number of primary and secondary dendrites, while increasing the length of those that remain. The transduction pathway used by NGF to provoke dendrite elongation involves the activation of NF-kappa-B and the expression of the homologues of Enhancer-of-split 1 gene. Here, we define important steps that link NGF with NF-kappa-B activation, through the activity of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). Binding of NGF to p75(NTR) stimulates PTP1B activity, which can be blocked by either pharmacological inhibition of the phosphatase or by transfecting neurons with a dn PTP1B isoform, whereby NGF is no longer able to stimulate dendrite growth. Indeed, overexpressing PTP1B alone provoked dendrite growth and further studies revealed a role for the src kinase downstream of PTP1B. Again, loss of src activity largely cancelled out the capacity of NGF to promote dendrite growth, whereas overexpression of v-src in neurons was sufficient to promote dendrite growth. Finally, the NGF/p75(NTR)/PTP1B/src kinase pathway led to the tyrosine phosphorylation of I-kappa-Balpha prior to its degradation, an event that is necessary for NF-kappa-B activation. Indeed, the dendrite growth response to NGF was lost when neurons were transfected with a mutant form of I-kappa-Balpha that lacks tyr42. Thus, our data suggest that PTP1B fulfils a central role in the NGF signalling that controls dendrite patterning in hippocampal neurons.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase epsilon regulates integrin-mediated podosome stability in osteoclasts by activating Src

The nonreceptor isoform of tyrosine phosphatase epsilon (cyt-PTPe) supports osteoclast adhesion and activity in vivo, leading to increased bone mass in female mice lacking PTPe (EKO mice). The structure and organization of the podosomal adhesion structures of EKO osteoclasts are abnormal; the molecular mechanism behind this is unknown. We show here that EKO podosomes are disorganized, unusually stable, and reorganize poorly in response to physical contact. Phosphorylation and activities of Src, Pyk2, and Rac are decreased and Rho activity is increased in EKO osteoclasts, suggesting that integrin signaling is defective in these cells. Integrin activation regulates cyt-PTPe by inducing Src-dependent phosphorylation of cyt-PTPe at Y638. This phosphorylation event is crucial because wild-type-but not Y638F-cyt-PTPe binds and further activates Src and restores normal stability to podosomes in EKO osteoclasts. Increasing Src activity or inhibiting Rho or its downstream effector Rho kinase in EKO osteoclasts rescues their podosomal stability phenotype, indicating that cyt-PTPe affects podosome stability by functioning upstream of these molecules. We conclude that cyt-PTPe participates in a feedback loop that ensures proper Src activation downstream of integrins, thus linking integrin signaling with Src activation and accurate organization and stability of podosomes in osteoclasts.

Tyrosine phosphatase beta regulates angiopoietin-Tie2 signaling in human endothelial cells

OBJECTIVES

The endothelial cell (EC)-selective receptor tyrosine kinase, Tie2, and its ligands angiopoietin Ang-1 and Ang-2, are essential for blood vessel maintenance and repair. Ang-1 is an agonist of Tie2 receptor activation, whereas Ang-2 is a context-dependent antagonist/agonist. Therefore, we investigated the role of the EC-selective phosphatase, human protein tyrosine phosphatase beta (HPTPbeta), in regulating Tie2 activity.

METHODS AND RESULTS

siRNA silencing of HPTPbeta enhanced Ang-1 and Ang-2-induced Tie2 phosphorylation at 10 min (2.5-fold, P < 0.001; and 1.8-fold, P < 0.05, respectively). The cell survival response to Ang-1, but not Ang-2, was enhanced by HPTPbeta silencing as measured by flow cytometry (0.85-fold to 0.66-fold, P < 0.05) and ELISA (0.88-fold to 0.53-fold, P < 0.01). Hypoxia, which upregulated HPTPbeta expression in endothelial cells, impaired Ang-1-induced Tie2 phosphorylation.

CONCLUSIONS

These results reveal a novel role for HPTPbeta in modulating Ang-1-Tie2 signaling and endothelial cell survival.

Characterization on the alternative splicing, expression and gene phylogenesis of PTPR4 family in Japanese flounder, Paralichthys olivaceus

One mechanism of eukaryotic signaling is protein phosphorylation by protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Here we have identified the PTP Receptor-Type IV (PTPR4) family, including one form of PTPalpha and two forms of PTPepsilon (PTPepsilon M and PTPepsilon C) in flounder. The existence of PTPepsilon C has not been reported in non-mammalian animals. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR revealed independent expression patterns and levels of PTPalpha and the two forms of PTPepsilon in various tissues. The sequence of PTPepsilon C was identical to that of PTPepsilon M except for its 5'-terminal regions. Southern blot analysis proved that there existed only one PTPepsilon gene in flounder genome, indicating that the two isoforms of PTPepsilon might have been derived from alternative splicing of the single gene. Phylogenetic analysis of PTP domain D2 and part of D1 of PTPR4 showed that flounder was first joint with other teleost fish and then tetrapods, and also provided evidence that the gene duplication from the ancestor gene to PTPalpha and PTPepsilon occurred before the divergence of Gnathastomata and Agnatha. These results showed that the functional evolution of protein phosphorylation is promoted by not only genome duplication, but also elaborate regulation of gene expression.