Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases: Mechanisms in Cancer

Protein tyrosine kinases, especially receptor tyrosine kinases, have dominated the cancer therapeutics sphere as proteins that can be inhibited to selectively target cancer. However, protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are also an emerging target. Though historically known as negative regulators of the oncogenic tyrosine kinases, PTPs are now known to be both tumor-suppressive and oncogenic. This review will highlight key protein tyrosine phosphatases that have been thoroughly investigated in various cancers. Furthermore, the different mechanisms underlying pro-cancerous and anti-cancerous PTPs will also be explored.

Automated summary

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) have emerged as a new target in cancer therapy, with both tumor-suppressive and oncogenic properties. This review focuses on key PTPs investigated in various cancers and explores the different mechanisms underlying pro-cancerous and anti-cancerous effects.