Sprouty proteins are in vivo targets of Corkscrew/SHP-2 tyrosine phosphatases

SHP2: A Pleiotropic Target at the Interface of Cancer and Its Microenvironment

The protein phosphatase SHP2/PTPN11 has been reported to be a key modulator of proliferative pathways in a wide range of malignancies. Intriguingly, SHP2 has also been described as a critical regulator of the tumor microenvironment. Based on this evidence SHP2 is considered a multifaceted target in cancer, spurring the notion that the development of direct inhibitors of SHP2 would provide the twofold benefit of tumor intrinsic and extrinsic inhibition. In this review, we will discuss the role of SHP2 in cancer and the tumor microenvironment, and the clinical strategies in which SHP2 inhibitors are leveraged as combination agents to improve therapeutic response.

SIGNIFICANCE

The SHP2 phosphatase functions as a pleiotropic factor, and its inhibition not only hinders tumor growth but also reshapes the tumor microenvironment. Although their single-agent activity may be limited, SHP2 inhibitors hold the potential of being key combination agents to enhance the depth and the durability of tumor response to therapy.

Modeling (not so) rare developmental disorders associated with mutations in the protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP2

Src homology region 2 (SH2)-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) is a highly conserved protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP), which is encoded by PTPN11 and is indispensable during embryonic development. Mutations in PTPN11 in human patients cause aberrant signaling of SHP2, resulting in multiple rare hereditary diseases, including Noonan Syndrome (NS), Noonan Syndrome with Multiple Lentigines (NSML), Juvenile Myelomonocytic Leukemia (JMML) and Metachondromatosis (MC). Somatic mutations in PTPN11 have been found to cause cancer. Here, we focus on the role of SHP2 variants in rare diseases and advances in the understanding of its pathogenesis using model systems.

A comprehensive review of SHP2 and its role in cancer

Src homology 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) is a non-receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase ubiquitously expressed mainly in the cytoplasm of several tissues. SHP2 modulates diverse cell signaling events that control metabolism, cell growth, differentiation, cell migration, transcription and oncogenic transformation. It interacts with diverse molecules in the cell, and regulates key signaling events including RAS/ERK, PI3K/AKT, JAK/STAT and PD-1 pathways downstream of several receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) upon stimulation by growth factors and cytokines. SHP2 acts as both a phosphatase and a scaffold, and plays prominently oncogenic functions but can be tumor suppressor in a context-dependent manner. It typically acts as a positive regulator of RTKs signaling with some inhibitory functions reported as well. SHP2 expression and activity is regulated by such factors as allosteric autoinhibition, microRNAs, ubiquitination and SUMOylation. Dysregulation of SHP2 expression or activity causes many developmental diseases, and hematological and solid tumors. Moreover, upregulated SHP2 expression or activity also decreases sensitivity of cancer cells to anticancer drugs. SHP2 is now considered as a compelling anticancer drug target and several classes of SHP2 inhibitors with different mode of action are developed with some already in clinical trial phases. Moreover, novel SHP2 substrates and functions are rapidly growing both in cell and cancer. In view of this, we comprehensively and thoroughly reviewed literatures about SHP2 regulatory mechanisms, substrates and binding partners, biological functions, roles in human cancers, and different classes of small molecule inhibitors target this oncoprotein in cancer.

Recent advances in the discovery of protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 inhibitors

Src homology 2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase (SHP2) is a non-receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase encoded by the Ptpn11 gene, which regulates cell growth, differentiation and apoptosis via modulating various signaling pathways, such as the RAS/ERK signaling pathway, and participates in the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway governing immune surveillance. It has been recognized as a breakthrough antitumor therapeutic target. Besides, numerous studies have shown that SHP2 plays an important role in the regulation of inflammatory diseases. However, inhibitors targeting the active site of SHP2 lack drug-likeness due to their low selectivity and poor bioavailability, thus none has advanced to clinical development. Recently, allosteric inhibitors that stabilize the inactive conformation of SHP2 have achieved breakthrough progress, providing the clinical proof for the druggability of SHP2 as an antitumor drug target. This paper reviews the recently reported design and discovery of SHP2 small molecule inhibitors, focused on the structure-activity relationship (SAR) analysis of several representative SHP2 inhibitors, outlining the evolution and therapeutic potential of the small molecule inhibitors targeting SHP2.

The Q61H mutation decouples KRAS from upstream regulation and renders cancer cells resistant to SHP2 inhibitors

Cancer cells bearing distinct KRAS mutations exhibit variable sensitivity to SHP2 inhibitors (SHP2i). Here we show that cells harboring KRAS Q61H are uniquely resistant to SHP2i, and investigate the underlying mechanisms using biophysics, molecular dynamics, and cell-based approaches. Q61H mutation impairs intrinsic and GAP-mediated GTP hydrolysis, and impedes activation by SOS1, but does not alter tyrosyl phosphorylation. Wild-type and Q61H-mutant KRAS are both phosphorylated by Src on Tyr32 and Tyr64 and dephosphorylated by SHP2, however, SHP2i does not reduce ERK phosphorylation in KRAS Q61H cells. Phosphorylation of wild-type and Gly12-mutant KRAS, which are associated with sensitivity to SHP2i, confers resistance to regulation by GAP and GEF activities and impairs binding to RAF, whereas the near-complete GAP/GEF-resistance of KRAS Q61H remains unaltered, and high-affinity RAF interaction is retained. SHP2 can stimulate KRAS signaling by modulating GEF/GAP activities and dephosphorylating KRAS, processes that fail to regulate signaling of the Q61H mutant.

SHP2 promotes RAS-driven MAPK signalling, but it is unclear why cancer cells with distinct KRAS mutations exhibit differential sensitivity to SHP2 inhibition. Here the authors show that KRAS Q61H is decoupled from SHP2- mediated upstream regulation, thus Q61H pancreatic cancer cells maintain MAPK signalling and are refractory to SHP2 inhibitors.

Loss of Sprouty Produces a Ciliopathic Skeletal Phenotype in Mice Through Upregulation of Hedgehog Signaling

The Sprouty family is a highly conserved group of intracellular modulators of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK)-signaling pathways, which have been recently linked to primary cilia. Disruptions in the structure and function of primary cilia cause inherited disorders called ciliopathies. We aimed to evaluate Sprouty2 and Sprouty4 gene-dependent alterations of ciliary structure and to focus on the determination of its association with Hedgehog signaling defects in chondrocytes. Analysis of the transgenic mice phenotype with Sprouty2 and Sprouty4 deficiency revealed several defects, including improper endochondral bone formation and digit patterning, or craniofacial and dental abnormalities. Moreover, reduced bone thickness and trabecular bone mass, skull deformities, or chondroma-like lesions were revealed. All these pathologies might be attributed to ciliopathies. Elongation of the ciliary axonemes in embryonic and postnatal growth plate chondrocytes was observed in Sprouty2^-/- and Sprouty2^+/- /Sprouty4^-/- mutants compared with corresponding littermate controls. Also, cilia-dependent Hedgehog signaling was upregulated in Sprouty2/4 mutant animals. Ptch1 and Ihh expression were upregulated in the autopodium and the proximal tibia of Sprouty2^-/- /Sprouty4^-/- mutants. Increased levels of the GLI3 repressor (GLI3R) form were detected in Sprouty2/4 mutant primary fibroblast embryonic cell cultures and tissues. These findings demonstrate that mouse lines deficient in Sprouty proteins manifest phenotypic features resembling ciliopathic phenotypes in multiple aspects and may serve as valuable models to study the association between overactivation of RTK and dysfunction of primary cilia during skeletogenesis. © 2021 American Society for Bone and Mineral Research (ASBMR).

Progress on Ras/MAPK Signaling Research and Targeting in Blood and Solid Cancers

Simple Summary

The Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling pathway is responsible for regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, and survival. Overexpression and overactivation of members within the signaling cascade have been observed in many solid and blood cancers. Research often focuses on targeting the pathway to disrupt cancer initiation and progression. We aimed to provide an overview of the pathway’s physiologic role and regulation, interactions with other pathways involved in cancer development, and mutations that lead to malignancy. Several blood and solid cancers are analyzed to illustrate the impact of the pathway’s dysregulation, stemming from mutation or viral induction. Finally, we summarized different approaches to targeting the pathway and the associated novel treatments being researched or having recently achieved approval.

Abstract

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, consisting of the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK signaling cascade, regulates genes that control cellular development, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis. Within the cascade, multiple isoforms of Ras and Raf each display differences in functionality, efficiency, and, critically, oncogenic potential. According to the NCI, over 30% of all human cancers are driven by Ras genes. This dysfunctional signaling is implicated in a wide variety of leukemias and solid tumors, both with and without viral etiology. Due to the strong evidence of Ras-Raf involvement in tumorigenesis, many have attempted to target the cascade to treat these malignancies. Decades of unsuccessful experimentation had deemed Ras undruggable, but recently, the approval of Sotorasib as the first ever KRas inhibitor represents a monumental breakthrough. This advancement is not without novel challenges. As a G12C mutant-specific drug, it also represents the issue of drug target specificity within Ras pathway; not only do many drugs only affect single mutational profiles, with few pan-inhibitor exceptions, tumor genetic heterogeneity may give rise to drug-resistant profiles. Furthermore, significant challenges in targeting downstream Raf, especially the BRaf isoform, lie in the paradoxical activation of wild-type BRaf by BRaf mutant inhibitors. This literature review will delineate the mechanisms of Ras signaling in the MAPK pathway and its possible oncogenic mutations, illustrate how specific mutations affect the pathogenesis of specific cancers, and compare available and in-development treatments targeting the Ras pathway.

SHP2-Mediated Inhibition of DNA Repair Contributes to cGAS-STING Activation and Chemotherapeutic Sensitivity in Colon Cancer

As a cytoplasmic sensor of double-stranded DNA (dsDNA), the cyclic GMP-AMP synthase-stimulator of IFN genes (STING) pathway plays an important role in antitumor immunity. In this study, we investigated the effect of Src homology-2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) on tumor cell-intrinsic STING pathway activity and DNA repair in colon cancer. SHP2 interacted with and dephosphorylated PARP1 after DNA damage. PARP1 inhibition by SHP2 resulted in reduced DNA repair and accumulation of dsDNA in cells, thus promoting hyperactivation of the STING pathway. The SHP2 agonist lovastatin was able to enhance SHP2 activity and promote STING pathway activation. Moreover, lovastatin significantly enhanced the efficacy of chemotherapy in colon cancer models, in part via STING pathway-mediated antitumor immunity. These findings suggest that SHP2 exacerbates STING pathway activation by restricting PARP1-mediated DNA repair in tumor cells, providing a basis for the combined use of lovastatin and chemotherapy in the treatment of colon cancer. SIGNIFICANCE: Dephosphorylation of PARP1 by SHP2 simultaneously suppresses DNA repair and enhances STING pathway-mediated antitumor immunity, highlighting SHP2 activation as a potential therapeutic approach in colon cancer.

Allosteric SHP2 inhibitors in cancer: Targeting the intersection of RAS, resistance, and the immune microenvironment

The nonreceptor protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 (encoded by PTPN11) integrates growth and differentiation signals from receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) into the RAS/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade. Considered 'undruggable' over three decades, SHP2 is now a potentially druggable target with the advent of allosteric SHP2 inhibitors. These agents hold promise for improving patient outcomes, showing efficacy in preclinical cancer models, where SHP2 is critical for either oncogenic signaling or resistance to current targeted agents. SHP2 inhibition may also produce immunomodulatory effects in certain tumor microenvironment cells to help cultivate antitumor immune responses. The first generation of allosteric SHP2 inhibitors is under clinical evaluation to determine safety, appropriate tolerability management, and antitumor efficacy, investigations that will dictate future clinical applications.

Amalgam regulates the receptor tyrosine kinase pathway through Sprouty in glial cell development in the Drosophila larval brain

The receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) pathway plays an essential role in development and disease by controlling cell proliferation and differentiation. Here, we profile the Drosophila larval brain by single-cell RNA-sequencing and identify Amalgam (Ama), which encodes a cell adhesion protein of the immunoglobulin IgLON family, as regulating the RTK pathway activity during glial cell development. Depletion of Ama reduces cell proliferation, affects glial cell type composition and disrupts the blood-brain barrier (BBB), which leads to hemocyte infiltration and neuronal death. We show that Ama depletion lowers RTK activity by upregulating Sprouty (Sty), a negative regulator of the RTK pathway. Knockdown of Ama blocks oncogenic RTK signaling activation in the Drosophila glioma model and halts malignant transformation. Finally, knockdown of a human ortholog of Ama, LSAMP, results in upregulation of SPROUTY2 in glioblastoma cell lines, suggesting that the relationship between Ama and Sty is conserved.

Mechanistic insights explain the transforming potential of the T507K substitution in the protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP2

The protein-tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 is an allosteric enzyme critical for cellular events downstream of growth factor receptors. Mutations in the SHP2 gene have been linked to many different types of human diseases, including developmental disorders, leukemia, and solid tumors. Unlike most SHP2-activating mutations, the T507K substitution in SHP2 is unique in that it exhibits oncogenic Ras-like transforming activity. However, the biochemical basis of how the SHP2/T507K variant elicits transformation remains unclear. By combining kinetic and biophysical methods, X-ray crystallography, and molecular modeling, as well as using cell biology approaches, here we uncovered that the T507K substitution alters both SHP2 substrate specificity and its allosteric regulatory mechanism. We found that although SHP2/T507K exists in the closed, autoinhibited conformation similar to the WT enzyme, the interactions between its N-SH2 and protein-tyrosine phosphatase domains are weakened such that SHP2/T507K possesses a higher affinity for the scaffolding protein Grb2-associated binding protein 1 (Gab1). We also discovered that the T507K substitution alters the structure of the SHP2 active site, resulting in a change in SHP2 substrate preference for Sprouty1, a known negative regulator of Ras signaling and a potential tumor suppressor. Our results suggest that SHP2/T507K's shift in substrate specificity coupled with its preferential association of SHP2/T507K with Gab1 enable the mutant SHP2 to more efficiently dephosphorylate Sprouty1 at pTyr-53. This dephosphorylation hyperactivates Ras signaling, which is likely responsible for SHP2/T507K's Ras-like transforming activity.

SHP-2 in Lymphocytes' Cytokine and Inhibitory Receptor Signaling

Somewhat counterintuitively, the tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2 (SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2) is crucial for the activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) downstream of various growth factor receptors, thereby exerting essential developmental functions. This phosphatase also deploys proto-oncogenic functions and specific inhibitors have recently been developed. With respect to the immune system, the role of SHP-2 in the signaling of cytokines relevant for myelopoiesis and myeloid malignancies has been intensively studied. The function of this phosphatase downstream of cytokines important for lymphocytes is less understood, though multiple lines of evidence suggest its importance. In addition, SHP-2 has been proposed to mediate the suppressive effects of inhibitory receptors (IRs) that sustain a dysfunctional state in anticancer T cells. Molecules involved in IR signaling are of potential pharmaceutical interest as blockade of these inhibitory circuits leads to remarkable clinical benefit. Here, we discuss the dichotomy in the functions ascribed to SHP-2 downstream of cytokine receptors and IRs, with a focus on T and NK lymphocytes. Further, we highlight the importance of broadening our understanding of SHP-2′s relevance in lymphocytes, an essential step to inform on side effects and unanticipated benefits of its therapeutic blockade.

Protein Phosphatases-A Touchy Enemy in the Battle Against Glioblastomas: A Review

Glioblastoma (GBM) is the most common malignant tumor arising from brain parenchyma. Although many efforts have been made to develop therapies for GBM, the prognosis still remains poor, mainly because of the difficulty in total resection of the tumor mass from brain tissue and the resistance of the residual tumor against standard chemoradiotherapy. Therefore, novel adjuvant therapies are urgently needed. Recent genome-wide analyses of GBM cases have clarified molecular signaling mechanisms underlying GBM biology. However, results of clinical trials targeting phosphorylation-mediated signaling have been unsatisfactory to date. Protein phosphatases are enzymes that antagonize phosphorylation signaling by dephosphorylating phosphorylated signaling molecules. Recently, the critical roles of phosphatases in the regulation of oncogenic signaling in malignant tumor cells have been reported, and tumorigenic roles of deregulated phosphatases have been demonstrated in GBM. However, a detailed mechanism underlying phosphatase-mediated signaling transduction in the regulation of GBM has not been elucidated, and such information is necessary to apply phosphatases as a therapeutic target for GBM. This review highlights and summarizes the phosphatases that have crucial roles in the regulation of oncogenic signaling in GBM cells.

Dynamic genome wide expression profiling of Drosophila head development reveals a novel role of Hunchback in retinal glia cell development and blood-brain barrier integrity

Drosophila melanogaster head development represents a valuable process to study the developmental control of various organs, such as the antennae, the dorsal ocelli and the compound eyes from a common precursor, the eye-antennal imaginal disc. While the gene regulatory network underlying compound eye development has been extensively studied, the key transcription factors regulating the formation of other head structures from the same imaginal disc are largely unknown. We obtained the developmental transcriptome of the eye-antennal discs covering late patterning processes at the late 2^nd larval instar stage to the onset and progression of differentiation at the end of larval development. We revealed the expression profiles of all genes expressed during eye-antennal disc development and we determined temporally co-expressed genes by hierarchical clustering. Since co-expressed genes may be regulated by common transcriptional regulators, we combined our transcriptome dataset with publicly available ChIP-seq data to identify central transcription factors that co-regulate genes during head development. Besides the identification of already known and well-described transcription factors, we show that the transcription factor Hunchback (Hb) regulates a significant number of genes that are expressed during late differentiation stages. We confirm that hb is expressed in two polyploid subperineurial glia cells (carpet cells) and a thorough functional analysis shows that loss of Hb function results in a loss of carpet cells in the eye-antennal disc. Additionally, we provide for the first time functional data indicating that carpet cells are an integral part of the blood-brain barrier. Eventually, we combined our expression data with a de novo Hb motif search to reveal stage specific putative target genes of which we find a significant number indeed expressed in carpet cells.

The development of different cell types must be tightly coordinated, and the eye-antennal imaginal discs of Drosophila melanogaster represent an excellent model to study the molecular mechanisms underlying this coordination. These imaginal discs contain the anlagen of nearly all adult head structures, such as the antennae, the head cuticle, the ocelli and the compound eyes. While large scale screens have been performed to unravel the gene regulatory network underlying compound eye development, a comprehensive understanding of genome wide expression dynamics throughout head development is still missing to date. We studied the genome wide gene expression dynamics during eye-antennal disc development in D. melanogaster to identify new central regulators of the underlying gene regulatory network. Expression based gene clustering and transcription factor motif enrichment analyses revealed a central regulatory role of the transcription factor Hunchback (Hb). We confirmed that hb is expressed in two polyploid retinal subperineurial glia cells (carpet cells). Our functional analysis shows that Hb is necessary for carpet cell development and we show for the first time that the carpet cells are an integral part of the blood-brain barrier.

Tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 negatively regulates NLRP3 inflammasome activation via ANT1-dependent mitochondrial homeostasis

Aberrant activation of NLRP3 inflammasome has an important function in the pathogenesis of various inflammatory diseases. Although many components and mediators of inflammasome activation have been identified, how NLRP3 inflammasome is regulated to prevent excessive inflammation is unclear. Here we show NLRP3 inflammasome stimulators trigger Src homology-2 domain containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) translocation to the mitochondria, to interact with and dephosphorylate adenine nucleotide translocase 1 (ANT1), a central molecule controlling mitochondrial permeability transition. This mechanism prevents collapse of mitochondrial membrane potential and the subsequent release of mitochondrial DNA and reactive oxygen species, thus preventing hyperactivation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Ablation or inhibition of SHP2 in macrophages causes intensified NLRP3 activation, overproduction of proinflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-18, and increased sensitivity to peritonitis. Collectively, our data highlight that, by inhibiting ANT1 and mitochondrial dysfunction, SHP2 orchestrates an intrinsic regulatory loop to limit excessive NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

How Genetics Has Helped Piece Together the MAPK Signaling Pathway

Cells respond to changes in their environment, to developmental cues, and to pathogen aggression through the action of a complex network of proteins. These networks can be decomposed into a multitude of signaling pathways that relay signals from the microenvironment to the cellular components involved in eliciting a specific response. Perturbations in these signaling processes are at the root of multiple pathologies, the most notable of these being cancer. The study of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling led to the first description of a mechanism whereby an extracellular signal is transmitted to the nucleus to induce a transcriptional response. Genetic studies conducted in drosophila and nematodes have provided key elements to this puzzle. Here, we briefly discuss the somewhat lesser known contribution of these multicellular organisms to our understanding of what has come to be known as the prototype of signaling pathways. We also discuss the ostensibly much larger network of regulators that has emerged from recent functional genomic investigations of RTK/RAS/ERK signaling.

Regulatory mechanisms of EGFR signalling during Drosophila eye development

EGFR signalling is a well-conserved signalling pathway playing major roles during development and cancers. This review explores what studying the EGFR pathway during Drosophila eye development has taught us in terms of the diversity of its regulatory mechanisms. This model system has allowed the identification of numerous positive and negative regulators acting at specific time and place, thus participating to the tight control of signalling. EGFR signalling regulation is achieved by a variety of mechanisms, including the control of ligand processing, the availability of the receptor itself and the transduction of the cascade in the cytoplasm. Ultimately, the transcriptional responses contribute to the establishment of positive and negative feedback loops. The combination of these multiple mechanisms employed to regulate the EGFR pathway leads to specific cellular outcomes involved in functions as diverse as the acquisition of cell fate, proliferation, survival, adherens junction remodelling and morphogenesis.

Alterations in the phosphoproteomic profile of cells expressing a non-functional form of the SHP2 phosphatase

The phosphatase SHP-2 plays an essential role in growth factor signaling and mutations in its locus is the cause of congenital and acquired pathologies. Mutations of SHP-2 are known to affect the activation of the RAS pathway. Gain-of-function mutations cause the Noonan syndrome, the most common non-chromosomal congenital disorder. In order to obtain a holistic picture of the intricate regulatory mechanisms underlying SHP-2 physiology and pathology, we set out to characterize perturbations of the cell phosphorylation profile caused by an altered localization of SHP-2. To describe the proteins whose activity may be directly or indirectly modulated by SHP-2 activity, we identified tyrosine peptides that are differentially phosphorylated in wild type SHP-2 cells and isogenic cells expressing a non-functional SHP-2 variant that cannot dephosphorylate the physiological substrates due to a defect in cellular localization upon growth factor stimulation. By an iTRAQ based strategy coupled to mass spectrometry, we have identified 63 phosphorylated tyrosine residues in 53 different proteins whose phosphorylation is affected by SHP-2 activity. Some of these confirm already established regulatory mechanisms while many others suggest new possible signaling routes that may contribute to the modulation of the ERK and p38 pathways by SHP-2. Interestingly many new proteins that we found to be regulated by SHP-2 activity are implicated in the formation and regulation of focal adhesions.

The developing story of Sprouty and cancer

Sprouty proteins are evolutionarily conserved modulators of MAPK/ERK pathway. Through interacting with an increasing number of effectors, mediators, and regulators with ultimate influence on multiple targets within or beyond ERK, Sprouty orchestrates a complex, multilayered regulatory system and mediates a crosstalk among different signaling pathways for a coordinated cellular response. As such, Sprouty has been implicated in various developmental and physiological processes. Evidence shows that ERK is aberrantly activated in malignant conditions. Accordingly, Sprouty deregulation has been reported in different cancer types and shown to impact cancer development, progression, and metastasis. In this article, we have tried to provide an overview of the current knowledge about the Sprouty physiology and its regulatory functions in health, as well as an updated review of the Sprouty status in cancer. Putative implications of Sprouty in cancer biology, their clinical relevance, and their proposed applications are also revisited. As a developing story, however, role of Sprouty in cancer remains to be further elucidated.

Protein tyrosine phosphatases as potential therapeutic targets

Protein tyrosine phosphorylation is a key regulatory process in virtually all aspects of cellular functions. Dysregulation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation is a major cause of human diseases, such as cancers, diabetes, autoimmune disorders, and neurological diseases. Indeed, protein tyrosine phosphorylation-mediated signaling events offer ample therapeutic targets, and drug discovery efforts to date have brought over two dozen kinase inhibitors to the clinic. Accordingly, protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are considered next-generation drug targets. For instance, PTP1B is a well-known targets of type 2 diabetes and obesity, and recent studies indicate that it is also a promising target for breast cancer. SHP2 is a bona-fide oncoprotein, mutations of which cause juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and solid tumors. In addition, LYP is strongly associated with type 1 diabetes and many other autoimmune diseases. This review summarizes recent findings on several highly recognized PTP family drug targets, including PTP1B, Src homology phosphotyrosyl phosphatase 2(SHP2), lymphoid-specific tyrosine phosphatase (LYP), CD45, Fas associated phosphatase-1 (FAP-1), striatal enriched tyrosine phosphatases (STEP), mitogen-activated protein kinase/dual-specificity phosphatase 1 (MKP-1), phosphatases of regenerating liver-1 (PRL), low molecular weight PTPs (LMWPTP), and CDC25. Given that there are over 100 family members, we hope this review will serve as a road map for innovative drug discovery targeting PTPs.

Molecular basis of gain-of-function LEOPARD syndrome-associated SHP2 mutations

The Src homology 2 (SH2) domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP2) is a critical signal transducer downstream of growth factors that promotes the activation of the RAS-ERK1/2 cascade. In its basal state, SHP2 exists in an autoinhibited closed conformation because of an intramolecular interaction between its N-SH2 and protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) domains. Binding to pTyr ligands present on growth factor receptors and adaptor proteins with its N-SH2 domain localizes SHP2 to its substrates and frees the active site from allosteric inhibition. Germline mutations in SHP2 are known to cause both Noonan syndrome (NS) and LEOPARD syndrome (LS), two clinically similar autosomal dominant developmental disorders. NS-associated SHP2 mutants display elevated phosphatase activity, while LS-associated SHP2 mutants exhibit reduced catalytic activity. A conundrum in how clinically similar diseases result from mutations to SHP2 that have opposite effects on this enzyme's catalytic functionality exists. Here we report a comprehensive investigation of the kinetic, structural, dynamic, and biochemical signaling properties of the wild type as well as all reported LS-associated SHP2 mutants. The results reveal that LS-causing mutations not only affect SHP2 phosphatase activity but also induce a weakening of the intramolecular interaction between the N-SH2 and PTP domains, leading to mutants that are more readily activated by competing pTyr ligands. Our data also indicate that the residual phosphatase activity associated with the LS SHP2 mutant is required for enhanced ERK1/2 activation. Consequently, catalytically impaired SHP2 mutants could display gain-of-function properties because of their ability to localize to the vicinity of substrates for longer periods of time, thereby affording the opportunity for prolonged substrate turnover and sustained RAS-ERK1/2 activation.

Disulfide stress: a novel type of oxidative stress in acute pancreatitis

Glutathione oxidation and protein glutathionylation are considered hallmarks of oxidative stress in cells because they reflect thiol redox status in proteins. Our aims were to analyze the redox status of thiols and to identify mixed disulfides and targets of redox signaling in pancreas in experimental acute pancreatitis as a model of acute inflammation associated with glutathione depletion. Glutathione depletion in pancreas in acute pancreatitis is not associated with any increase in oxidized glutathione levels or protein glutathionylation. Cystine and homocystine levels as well as protein cysteinylation and γ-glutamyl cysteinylation markedly rose in pancreas after induction of pancreatitis. Protein cysteinylation was undetectable in pancreas under basal conditions. Targets of disulfide stress were identified by Western blotting, diagonal electrophoresis, and proteomic methods. Cysteinylated albumin was detected. Redox-sensitive PP2A and tyrosine protein phosphatase activities diminished in pancreatitis and this loss was abrogated by N-acetylcysteine. According to our findings, disulfide stress may be considered a specific type of oxidative stress in acute inflammation associated with protein cysteinylation and γ-glutamylcysteinylation and oxidation of the pair cysteine/cystine, but without glutathione oxidation or changes in protein glutathionylation. Two types of targets of disulfide stress were identified: redox buffers, such as ribonuclease inhibitor or albumin, and redox-signaling thiols, which include thioredoxin 1, APE1/Ref1, Keap1, tyrosine and serine/threonine phosphatases, and protein disulfide isomerase. These targets exhibit great relevance in DNA repair, cell proliferation, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and inflammatory response. Disulfide stress would be a specific mechanism of redox signaling independent of glutathione redox status involved in inflammation.

Receptor tyrosine kinase ubiquitylation involves the dynamic regulation of Cbl-Spry2 by intersectin 1 and the Shp2 tyrosine phosphatase

Ubiquitylation of receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) regulates their trafficking and lysosomal degradation. The multidomain scaffolding protein intersectin 1 (ITSN1) is an important regulator of this process. ITSN1 stimulates ubiquitylation of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) through enhancing the activity of the Cbl E3 ubiquitin ligase. However, the precise mechanism through which ITSN1 enhances Cbl activity is unclear. Here, we demonstrate that ITSN1 interacts with and recruits the Shp2 tyrosine phosphatase to Spry2 to enhance its dephosphorylation, thereby disrupting the inhibitory effect of Spry2 on Cbl and enhancing EGFR ubiquitylation. In contrast, expression of a catalytically inactive Shp2 mutant reversed the effect of ITSN1 on Spry2 dephosphorylation and decreased Cbl-mediated EGFR ubiquitylation. In addition, disruption of ITSN1 binding to Spry2 through point mutation of the Pro-rich ITSN1 binding site in Spry2 resulted in decreased Shp2-Spry2 interaction and enhanced Spry2 tyrosine phosphorylation. This study demonstrates that ITSN1 enhances Cbl activity, in part, by modulating the interaction of Cbl with Spry2 through recruitment of Shp2 phosphatase to the Cbl-Spry2 complex. These findings reveal a new level of complexity in the regulation of RTKs by Cbl through ITSN1 binding with Shp2 and Spry2.

S-nitrosylated SHP-2 contributes to NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity in acute ischemic stroke

Overproduction of nitric oxide (NO) can cause neuronal damage, contributing to the pathogenesis of several neurodegenerative diseases and stroke (i.e., focal cerebral ischemia). NO can mediate neurotoxic effects at least in part via protein S-nitrosylation, a reaction that covalently attaches NO to a cysteine thiol (or thiolate anion) to form an S-nitrosothiol. Recently, the tyrosine phosphatase Src homology region 2-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP-2) and its downstream pathways have emerged as important mediators of cell survival. Here we report that in neurons and brain tissue NO can S-nitrosylate SHP-2 at its active site cysteine, forming S-nitrosylated SHP-2 (SNO-SHP-2). We found that NMDA exposure in vitro and transient focal cerebral ischemia in vivo resulted in increased levels of SNO-SHP-2. S-Nitrosylation of SHP-2 inhibited its phosphatase activity, blocking downstream activation of the neuroprotective physiological ERK1/2 pathway, thus increasing susceptibility to NMDA receptor-mediated excitotoxicity. These findings suggest that formation of SNO-SHP-2 represents a key chemical reaction contributing to excitotoxic damage in stroke and potentially other neurological disorders.

Obese rats exhibit high levels of fat necrosis and isoprostanes in taurocholate-induced acute pancreatitis

BACKGROUND

Obesity is a prognostic factor for severity in acute pancreatitis in humans. Our aim was to assess the role of oxidative stress and abdominal fat in the increased severity of acute pancreatitis in obese rats.

METHODOLOGY

Taurocholate-induced acute pancreatitis was performed in lean and obese Zucker rats. Levels of reduced glutathione, oxidized glutathione, L-cysteine, cystine, and S-adenosylmethionine were measured in pancreas as well as the activities of serine/threonine protein phosphatases PP1 and PP2A and tyrosin phosphatases. Isoprostane, malondialdehyde, triglyceride, and free fatty acid levels and lipase activity were measured in plasma and ascites. Lipase activity was measured in white adipose tissue with and without necrosis and confirmed by western blotting.

FINDINGS

Under basal conditions obese rats exhibited lower reduced glutathione levels in pancreas and higher triglyceride and free fatty acid levels in plasma than lean rats. S-adenosyl methionine levels were markedly increased in pancreas of obese rats. Acute pancreatitis in obese rats led to glutathione oxidation and lower reduced glutathione levels in pancreas together with decreased activities of redox-sensitive phosphatases PP1, and PP2A. S-adenosyl methionine levels decreased but cystine levels increased markedly in pancreas upon pancreatitis. Acute pancreatitis triggered an increase in isoprostane levels in plasma and ascites in obese rats. Free fatty acid levels were extremely high in pancreatitis-associated ascitic fluid from obese rats and lipase was bound with great affinity to white adipose tissue, especially to areas of necrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that oxidative stress occurs locally and systemically in obese rats with pancreatitis favouring inactivation of protein phosphatases in pancreas, which would promote up-regulation of pro-inflammatory cytokines, and the increase of isoprostanes which might cause powerful pulmonary and renal vasoconstriction. Future studies are needed to confirm the translational relevance of the present findings obtained in a rat model of taurocholate-induced pancreatic damage and necrosis.

Spry1 as a novel regulator of erythropoiesis, EPO/EPOR target, and suppressor of JAK2

Sprouty proteins are established modifiers of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling and play important roles in vasculogenesis, bone morphogenesis, and renal uteric branching. Little is understood, however, concerning possible roles for these molecular adaptors during hematopoiesis. Within erythroid lineage, Spry1 was observed to be selectively and highly expressed at CFU-e to erythroblast stages. In analyses of possible functional roles, an Mx1-Cre approach was applied to conditionally delete Spry1. At steady state, Spry1 deletion selectively perturbed erythroid development and led to reticulocytosis plus heightened splenic erythropoiesis. When challenged by hemolysis, Spry1-null mice exhibited worsened anemia and delayed recovery. During short-term marrow transplantation, Spry1-null donor marrow also failed to efficiently rescue the erythron. In each anemia model, however, hyperexpansion of erythroid progenitors was observed. Spry function depends on phosphorylation of a conserved N-terminal PY motif. Through an LC-MS/MS approach, Spry1 was discovered to be regulated via the erythropoietin receptor (EPOR), with marked EPO-induced Spry1-PY53 phosphorylation observed. When EPOR signaling pathways were analyzed within Spry1-deficient erythroid progenitors, hyperactivation of not only Erk1,2 but also Jak2 was observed. Studies implicate Spry1 as a novel regulator of erythropoiesis during anemia, transducer of EPOR signals, and candidate suppressor of Jak2 activity.

Sprouty1 regulates neural and endothelial differentiation of mouse embryonic stem cells

Fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling is implicated in the control of pluripotency and lineage differentiation of both human and mouse embryonic stem cells (mESCs). FGF4 dependent stimulation of ERK1/2 signaling triggers transition of pluripotent ESCs from self-renewal and lineage commitment. In this study, Sprouty 1 (Spry1) expression was observed in undifferentiated mESCs, where it modulated ERK1/2 activity. Spry1 was confirmed as dispensable for the maintenance of self-renewal. However, suppression of Spry1 expression and subsequent activation of ERK1/2 signaling promoted neural differentiation and inhibited endothelial differentiation of mESCs. Moreover, evidence is presented which indicates that SHP2, a major determinant of balance between mESC self-renewal and differentiation, directly regulates Spry1 activity to modulate ERK1/2 signaling and lineage-specific differentiation in mESCs. Our results show that Spry1 has an essential role in the lineage specific differentiation of mESCs.

Modeling spinal muscular atrophy in Drosophila links Smn to FGF signaling

FGF signaling in neurons is regulated by Survival Motor Neuron, a component of a complex that regulates snRNP biogenesis and FGF receptor expression.

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a devastating neurodegenerative disorder characterized by motor neuron loss and muscle atrophy, has been linked to mutations in the Survival Motor Neuron (SMN) gene. Based on an SMA model we developed in Drosophila, which displays features that are analogous to the human pathology and vertebrate SMA models, we functionally linked the fibroblast growth factor (FGF) signaling pathway to the Drosophila homologue of SMN, Smn. Here, we characterize this relationship and demonstrate that Smn activity regulates the expression of FGF signaling components and thus FGF signaling. Furthermore, we show that alterations in FGF signaling activity are able to modify the neuromuscular junction defects caused by loss of Smn function and that muscle-specific activation of FGF is sufficient to rescue Smn-associated abnormalities.

Sprouty-related Ena/vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein homology 1-domain-containing protein (SPRED1), a tyrosine-protein phosphatase non-receptor type 11 (SHP2) substrate in the Ras/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway

SHP2 is a tyrosine phosphatase involved in the activation of the Ras/ERK signaling pathway downstream of a number of receptor tyrosine kinases. One of the proposed mechanisms involving SHP2 in this context is to dephosphorylate and inactivate inhibitors of the Ras/ERK pathway. Two protein families bearing a unique, common domain, Sprouty and SPRED proteins, are possible candidates because they have been reported to inhibit the Ras/ERK pathway upon FGF activation. We tested whether any of these proteins are likely substrates of SHP2. Our findings indicate that Sprouty2 binds to the C-terminal tail of SHP2, which is an unlikely substrate binding site, whereas SPRED proteins bind to the tyrosine phosphatase domain that is known to be the binding site for its substrates. Overexpressed SHP2 was able to dephosphorylate SPREDs but not Sprouty2. Finally, we found two tyrosine residues on SPRED1 that are required, when phosphorylated, to inhibit Ras/ERK activation and identified Tyr-420 as a specific dephosphorylation target of SHP2. The evidence obtained indicates that SPRED1 is a likely substrate of SHP2, whose tyrosine dephosphorylation is required to attenuate the inhibitory action of SPRED1 in the Ras/ERK pathway.

Xenopus: An emerging model for studying congenital heart disease

Congenital heart defects affect nearly 1% of all newborns and are a significant cause of infant death. Clinical studies have identified a number of congenital heart syndromes associated with mutations in genes that are involved in the complex process of cardiogenesis. The African clawed frog, Xenopus, has been instrumental in studies of vertebrate heart development and provides a valuable tool to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying human congenital heart diseases. In this review, we discuss the methodologies that make Xenopus an ideal model system to investigate heart development and disease. We also outline congenital heart conditions linked to cardiac genes that have been well studied in Xenopus and describe some emerging technologies that will further aid in the study of these complex syndromes.

[The greater RTK/RAS/ERK signalling pathway: how genetics has helped piece together a signalling network]

Cells respond to changes in their environment, to developmental cues and to pathogen aggression through the action of a complex network of proteins. These networks can be split into a multitude of signalling pathways that relay signals from the microenvironment to the cellular components involved in eliciting a specific response. Perturbations in these signalling processes are at the root of multiple pathologies, the most notable of these being cancer. The study of receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signalling led to the first description of a mechanism whereby an extracellular signal is transmitted to the nucleus to induce a transcriptional response. Genetic studies conducted in drosophila and nematodes have provided key elements to this puzzle. Here, we briefly discuss the poorly known contribution of these multicellular organisms to our understanding of what has become a prototype in cell signalling as well as to the more recent description of the complex network of regulators that is now known to govern RTK/RAS/ERK signalling.

Substrate specificity of protein tyrosine phosphatases 1B, RPTPα, SHP-1, and SHP-2

We determined the substrate specificities of the protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) PTP1B, RPTPα, SHP-1, and SHP-2 by on-bead screening of combinatorial peptide libraries and solution-phase kinetic analysis of individually synthesized phosphotyrosyl (pY) peptides. These PTPs exhibit different levels of sequence specificity and catalytic efficiency. The catalytic domain of RPTPα has very weak sequence specificity and is approximately 2 orders of magnitude less active than the other three PTPs. The PTP1B catalytic domain has modest preference for acidic residues on both sides of pY, is highly active toward multiply phosphorylated peptides, but disfavors basic residues at any position, a Gly at the pY-1 position, or a Pro at the pY+1 position. By contrast, SHP-1 and SHP-2 share similar but much narrower substrate specificities, with a strong preference for acidic and aromatic hydrophobic amino acids on both sides of the pY residue. An efficient SHP-1/2 substrate generally contains two or more acidic residues on the N-terminal side and one or more acidic residues on the C-terminal side of pY but no basic residues. Subtle differences exist between SHP-1 and SHP-2 in that SHP-1 has a stronger preference for acidic residues at the pY-1 and pY+1 positions and the two SHPs prefer acidic residues at different positions N-terminal to pY. A survey of the known protein substrates of PTP1B, SHP-1, and SHP-2 shows an excellent agreement between the in vivo dephosphorylation pattern and the in vitro specificity profiles derived from library screening. These results suggest that different PTPs have distinct sequence specificity profiles and the intrinsic activity/specificity of the PTP domain is an important determinant of the enzyme's in vivo substrate specificity.

Sprouty2-modulated Kras signaling rescues Shp2 deficiency during lens and lacrimal gland development

Shp2/Ptpn11 tyrosine phosphatase is a general regulator of the RTK pathways. By genetic ablation, we demonstrate that Shp2 is required for lacrimal gland budding, lens cell proliferation, survival and differentiation. Shp2 deletion disrupted ERK signaling and cell cycle regulation, which could be partially compensated by activated Kras signaling, confirming that Ras signaling was the main downstream target of Shp2 in lens and lacrimal gland development. We also showed that Sprouty2, a general suppressor of Ras signaling, was regulated by Shp2 positively at the transcriptional level and negatively at the post-translational level. Only in the absence of Sprouty2 could activated Kras signaling robustly rescue the lens proliferation and lacrimal-gland-budding defects in the Shp2 mutants. We propose that the dynamic regulation of Sprouty by Shp2 might be important not only for modulating Ras signaling in lens and lacrimal gland development, but also for RTK signaling in general.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP-2: a proto-oncogene product that promotes Ras activation

SHP-2 is a cytoplasmic protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) that contains two Src homology 2 (SH2) domains. Although PTPs are generally considered to be negative regulators on the basis of their ability to oppose the effects of protein tyrosine kinases, SHP-2 is unusual in that it promotes the activation of the Ras-MAPK signaling pathway by receptors for various growth factors and cytokines. The molecular basis for the activation of SHP-2 is also unique: In the basal state, the NH(2)-terminal SH2 domain of SHP-2 interacts with the PTP domain, resulting in autoinhibition of PTP activity; the binding of SHP-2 via its SH2 domains to tyrosine-phosphorylated growth factor receptors or docking proteins, however, results in disruption of this intramolecular interaction, leading to exposure of the PTP domain and catalytic activation. Indeed, SHP-2 proteins with artificial mutations in the NH(2)-terminal SH2 domain have been shown to act as dominant active mutants in vitro. Such activating mutations of PTPN11 (human SHP-2 gene) were subsequently identified in individuals with Noonan syndrome, a human developmental disorder that is sometimes associated with juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia. Furthermore, somatic mutations of PTPN11 were found to be associated with pediatric leukemia. SHP-2 is also thought to participate in the development of other malignant disorders, but in a manner independent of such activating mutations. Biochemical and functional studies of SHP-2 and genetic analysis of PTPN11 in human disorders have thus converged to provide new insight into the pathogenesis of cancer as well as potential new targets for cancer treatment.

Intermolecular interactions of Sprouty proteins and their implications in development and disease

Receptor tyrosine kinase (RTK) signaling is spatially and temporally regulated by a number of positive and negative regulatory mechanisms. These regulatory mechanisms control the amplitude and duration of the signals initiated at the cell surface to have a normal or aberrant biological outcome in development and disease, respectively. In the past decade, the Sprouty (Spry) family of proteins has been identified as modulators of RTK signaling in normal development and disease. This review summarizes recent advances concerning the biological activities modulated by Spry family proteins, their interactions with signaling proteins, and their involvement in cardiovascular diseases and cancer. The diversity of mechanisms in the regulation of Spry expression and activity in cell systems emphasizes the crucial role of Spry proteins in development and growth across the animal kingdom.

Coordinated regulation by Shp2 tyrosine phosphatase of signaling events controlling insulin biosynthesis in pancreatic beta-cells

Intracellular signaling by which pancreatic beta-cells synthesize and secrete insulin in control of glucose homeostasis is not fully understood. Here we show that Shp2, a cytoplasmic tyrosine phosphatase possessing 2 SH2 domains, coordinates signaling events required for insulin biosynthesis in beta-cells. Mice with conditional ablation of the Shp2/Ptpn11 gene in the pancreas exhibited defective glucose-stimulated insulin secretion and impaired glucose tolerance. Consistently, siRNA-mediated Shp2-knockdown in rat insulinoma INS-1 832/13 cells resulted in decreased insulin production and secretion despite an increase in cellular ATP. Shp2 modulates the strength of signals flowing through Akt/FoxO1 and Erk pathways, culminating in control of Pdx1 expression and activity on Ins1 and Ins2 promoters, and forced Pdx1 expression rescued insulin production in Shp2-knockdown beta-cells. Therefore, Shp2 acts as a signal coordinator in beta-cells, orchestrating multiple pathways controlling insulin biosynthesis to maintain glucose homeostasis.

Branching morphogenesis

Tubular structures are a fundamental anatomic theme recurring in a wide range of animal species. In mammals, tubulogenesis underscores the development of several systems and organs, including the vascular system, the lungs, and the kidneys. All tubular systems are hierarchical, branching into segments of gradually diminishing diameter. There are only 2 cell types that form the lumen of tubular systems: either endothelial cells in the vascular system or epithelial cells in all other organs. The most important feature in determining the morphology of the tubular systems is the frequency and geometry of branching. Hence, deciphering the molecular mechanisms underlying the sprouting of new branches from preexisting ones is the key to understanding the formation of tubular systems. The morphological similarity between the various tubular systems is underscored by similarities between the signaling pathways which control their branching. A prominent feature common to these pathways is their duality--an agonist counterbalanced by an inhibitor. The formation of the tracheal system in Drosophila melanogaster is driven by fibroblast growth factor and inhibited by Sprouty/Notch. In vertebrates, the analogous pathways are fibroblast growth factor and transforming growth factor-beta in epithelial tubular systems or vascular endothelial growth factor and Notch in the vascular system.

A mass action model of a Fibroblast Growth Factor signaling pathway and its simplification

We consider a kinetic law of mass action model for Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) signaling, focusing on the induction of the RAS-MAP kinase pathway via GRB2 binding. Our biologically simple model suffers a combinatorial explosion in the number of differential equations required to simulate the system. In addition to numerically solving the full model, we show that it can be accurately simplified. This requires combining matched asymptotics, the quasi-steady state hypothesis, and the fact subsets of the equations decouple asymptotically. Both the full and simplified models reproduce the qualitative dynamics observed experimentally and in previous stochastic models. The simplified model also elucidates both the qualitative features of GRB2 binding and the complex relationship between SHP2 levels, the rate SHP2 induces dephosphorylation and levels of bound GRB2. In addition to providing insight into the important and redundant features of FGF signaling, such work further highlights the usefulness of numerous simplification techniques in the study of mass action models of signal transduction, as also illustrated recently by Borisov and co-workers (Borisov et al. in Biophys. J. 89, 951-966, 2005, Biosystems 83, 152-166, 2006; Kiyatkin et al. in J. Biol. Chem. 281, 19925-19938, 2006). These developments will facilitate the construction of tractable models of FGF signaling, incorporating further biological realism, such as spatial effects or realistic binding stoichiometries, despite a more severe combinatorial explosion associated with the latter.

The multifaceted roles of the receptor tyrosine kinase ROS in development and cancer

The proto-oncogene receptor tyrosine kinase ROS was originally discovered through the identification of oncogenic variants isolated from tumors. These discoveries spearheaded a body of work aimed at elucidating the function of this evolutionarily conserved receptor in development and cancer. Through genetic and biochemical approaches, progress in the characterization of ROS points to distinctive roles in the program of epithelial cell differentiation during the development of a variety of organs. Although substantial, these advances remain hampered by the absence of an identified ligand, making ROS one of the last two remaining orphan receptor tyrosine kinases. Recent studies on the oncogenic activation of ROS as a result of different chromosomal rearrangements found in brain and lung cancers have shed light on the molecular mechanisms underlying ROS transforming activities. ROS and its oncogenic variants therefore constitute clinically relevant targets for cancer therapeutic intervention. This review highlights the various roles that this receptor plays in multiple system networks in normalcy and disease and points to future directions towards the elucidation of ROS function in the context of ligand identification, signaling pathways and clinical applications.

The tyrosine phosphatase Shp2 (PTPN11) in cancer

Diverse cellular processes are regulated by tyrosyl phosphorylation, which is controlled by protein-tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). De-regulated tyrosyl phosphorylation, evoked by gain-of-function mutations and/or over-expression of PTKs, contributes to the pathogenesis of many cancers and other human diseases. PTPs, because they oppose the action of PTKs, had been considered to be prime suspects for potential tumor suppressor genes. Surprisingly, few, if any, tumor suppressor PTPs have been identified. However, the Src homology-2 domain-containing phosphatase Shp2 (encoded by PTPN11) is a bona fide proto-oncogene. Germline mutations in PTPN11 cause Noonan and LEOPARD syndromes, whereas somatic PTPN11 mutations occur in several types of hematologic malignancies, most notably juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia and, more rarely, in solid tumors. Shp2 also is an essential component in several other oncogene signaling pathways. Elucidation of the events underlying Shp2-evoked transformation may provide new insights into oncogenic mechanisms and novel targets for anti-cancer therapy.

Sprouty proteins, masterminds of receptor tyrosine kinase signaling

Angiogenesis relies on endothelial cells properly processing signals from growth factors provided in both an autocrine and a paracrine manner. These mitogens bind to their cognate receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) on the cell surface, thereby activating a myriad of complex intracellular signaling pathways whose outputs include cell growth, migration, and morphogenesis. Understanding how these cascades are precisely controlled will provide insight into physiological and pathological angiogenesis. The Sprouty (Spry) family of proteins is a highly conserved group of negative feedback loop modulators of growth factor-mediated mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation originally described in Drosophila. There are four mammalian orthologs (Spry1-4) whose modulation of RTK-induced signaling pathways is growth factor- and cell context-dependent. Endothelial cells are a group of highly differentiated cell types necessary for defining the mammalian vasculature. These cells respond to a plethora of growth factors and express all four Spry isoforms, thus highlighting the complexity that is required to form and maintain vessels in mammals. This review describes Spry functions in the context of endothelial biology and angiogenesis, and provides an update on Spry-interacting proteins and Spry mechanisms of action.

The molecular functions of Shp2 in the Ras/Mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK1/2) pathway

Shp2 is a ubiquitous tyrosine phosphatase containing Src Homology 2 domains which plays major biological functions in response to various growth factors, hormones or cytokines. This is essentially due to its particularity of promoting the activation of the Ras/Mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway. Recent progresses have been made in the understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in this regulation. We review here, and discuss the physiological relevance, of the following molecular functions of Shp2 that have been proposed to couple the phosphatase to Ras activation: promoter of Grb2/Sos recruitment through direct binding to Grb2, binding partner and regulator of SHPS-1, negative regulator of Sprouty, negative regulator of RasGAP recruitment, and activator of Src through dephosphorylation of Src-regulatory proteins.

SHP-2 is required for the maintenance of cardiac progenitors

The isolation and culturing of cardiac progenitor cells has demonstrated that growth factor signaling is required to maintain cardiac cell survival and proliferation. In this study, we demonstrate in Xenopus that SHP-2 activity is required for the maintenance of cardiac precursors in vivo. In the absence of SHP-2 signaling, cardiac progenitor cells downregulate genes associated with early heart development and fail to initiate cardiac differentiation. We further show that this requirement for SHP-2 is restricted to cardiac precursor cells undergoing active proliferation. By demonstrating that SHP-2 is phosphorylated on Y542/Y580 and that it binds to FRS-2, we place SHP-2 in the FGF pathway during early embryonic heart development. Furthermore, we demonstrate that inhibition of FGF signaling mimics the cellular and biochemical effects of SHP-2 inhibition and that these effects can be rescued by constitutively active/Noonan-syndrome-associated forms of SHP-2. Collectively, these results show that SHP-2 functions within the FGF/MAPK pathway to maintain survival of proliferating populations of cardiac progenitor cells.

Hyperactive Ras in developmental disorders and cancer

Ras genes are the most common targets for somatic gain-of-function mutations in human cancer. Recently, germline mutations that affect components of the Ras-Raf-mitogen-activated and extracellular-signal regulated kinase kinase (MEK)-extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) pathway were shown to cause several developmental disorders, including Noonan, Costello and cardio-facio-cutaneous syndromes. Many of these mutant alleles encode proteins with aberrant biochemical and functional properties. Here we will discuss the implications of germline mutations in the Ras-Raf-MEK-ERK pathway for understanding normal developmental processes and cancer pathogenesis.

Intersection of signal transduction pathways and development

One of the challenges of modern biology is to understand how cells within a developing organism generate, integrate, and respond to dynamic informational cues. Based on over two decades of intensive research, many parts and subroutines of the responsible signal transduction networks have been identified and functionally characterized. From this work, it has become evident that a complicated interplay between signaling pathways, involving extensive feedback regulation and multiple levels of cross-talk, underlies even the "simplest" developmental decision. Thus a signaling pathway can no longer be thought of as a rigid linear process, but rather must be considered a dynamic, self-interacting, and self-adjusting network. The Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor tyrosine kinase signaling pathway provides a prime vantage point from which to explore emerging principles in developmental signal transduction.

The VASP-Spred-Sprouty domain puzzle

Sprouty-related proteins with an EVH1 domain (Spreds) belong to a new protein family harboring a conserved N-terminal EVH1 domain, which is related to the VASP (vasodilator-stimulated phosphoprotein) EVH1 domain (Enabled/VASP homology 1 domain) and a C-terminal Sprouty-related domain, typical for Sprouty proteins. Spreds were, like Sproutys, initially discovered as inhibitors of the Ras/MAPK pathway, and the SPR (Sprouty-related) domains of both protein families seem to be very important for many protein interactions and cellular processes. VASP was initially characterized as a proline-rich substrate of protein kinases A and G in human platelets and later shown to be a scaffold protein, regulating both signal transduction pathways and the actin filament system. The VASP-EVH1 domain is known to bind specifically to a FP(4) binding motif, which is, for example, present in the focal adhesion proteins vinculin and zyxin. In this review we give a structural and functional overview on these three protein families and ask whether nature plays a modular protein domain puzzle with stable exchangeable elements or if these closely related domains have various functions when pasted in a different protein context.

ERK MAP kinase in G cell cycle progression and cancer

The extracellular-signal-regulated kinase (ERK) mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase signaling pathway plays an important role in various cellular responses, including cell proliferation, cell differentiation and cell survival. Recent studies have identified a number of Ras/ERK signaling-related proteins, such as scaffold proteins and inhibitors. These proteins modulate ERK signaling and thereby could give variations in ERK signaling outputs that regulate cell fate decisions. Here we focus on the role of ERK signaling in cell cycle progression from G0/G1 to S phase and cancer.