Abstract

Tyrosine phosphorylation is an important signalling mechanism in eukaryotic cells. In cancer, oncogenic activation of tyrosine kinases is a common feature, and novel anticancer drugs have been introduced that target these enzymes. Tyrosine phosphorylation is also controlled by protein-tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Recent evidence has shown that PTPs can function as tumour suppressors. In addition, some PTPs, including SHP2, positively regulate the signalling of growth-factor receptors, and can be oncogenic. An improved understanding of how these enzymes function and how they are regulated might aid the development of new anticancer agents.

Author affiliations

1. Cancer Center Karolinska, Department of Pathology and Oncology, Karolinska Institutet, Stockholm, Sweden.
2. Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research, Uppsala Branch, Uppsala University, Uppsala, Sweden.
3. Institute of Molecular Cell Biology, Medical Faculty, Friedrich-Schiller University Jena, Drackendorfer Strasse 1, D07747 Jena, Germany.

Correspondence to: Frank D. Böhmer³ Email: i5frbo@rz.uni-jena.de

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