SH2 Domain-containing Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase-2 Research Articles

FMRP activity and control of Csw/SHP2 translation regulate MAPK-dependent synaptic transmission.

Noonan syndrome (NS) and NS with multiple lentigines (NSML) cognitive dysfunction are linked to SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) gain-of-function (GoF) and loss-of-function (LoF), respectively. In Drosophila disease models, we find both SHP2 mutations from human patients and corkscrew (csw) homolog LoF/GoF elevate glutamatergic transmission. Cell-targeted RNAi and neurotransmitter release analyses reveal a presynaptic requirement. Consistently, all mutants exhibit reduced synaptic depression during high-frequency stimulation. Both LoF and GoF mutants also show impaired synaptic plasticity, including reduced facilitation, augmentation, and post-tetanic potentiation. NS/NSML diseases are characterized by elevated MAPK/ERK signaling, and drugs suppressing this signaling restore normal neurotransmission in mutants. Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is likewise characterized by elevated MAPK/ERK signaling. Fragile X Mental Retardation Protein (FMRP) binds csw mRNA and neuronal Csw protein is elevated in Drosophila fragile X mental retardation 1 (dfmr1) nulls. Moreover, phosphorylated ERK (pERK) is increased in dfmr1 and csw null presynaptic boutons. We find presynaptic pERK activation in response to stimulation is reduced in dfmr1 and csw nulls. Trans-heterozygous csw/+; dfmr1/+ recapitulate elevated presynaptic pERK activation and function, showing FMRP and Csw/SHP2 act within the same signaling pathway. Thus, a FMRP and SHP2 MAPK/ERK regulative mechanism controls basal and activity-dependent neurotransmission strength.

SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 isenriched in eyelid specimens of rosacea.

Rosacea is a cutaneous disease that may secondarily affect the ocular surface. Due to the vision threatening, cosmetic, psychological, and work productivity impact, the identification of cellular targets that govern rosacea would enhance our understanding of the biology of the disease and delineate targets for therapeutic manipulation. To characterize the involvement of SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) in the pathogenesis of rosacea. Specimens from elective ectropion surgery (n=20) were processed from patients with rosacea (n=10) and control patients (n=10). Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and quantitative western blotting (WB) were performed to identify and quantify the presence of SHP2 and 4G10 (a phosphotyrosine antibody) in rosacea compared to normal tissue. IHC samples were graded according to an intensity scale (0-4). Mann-Whitney statistical analyses were performed via a dedicated computerized software package. On WB, SHP2 was expressed in higher concentrations in rosacea specimens (p<0.05). On IHC, SHP2 was enriched in the epidermis in rosacea (p<0.05), although 4G10 levels were not statistically significantly different between the two groups (p>0.05). SHP2 is enriched in cutaneous specimens of rosacea, suggesting a critical role for this protein in the disease and indicating a modifiable therapeutic moiety.

Engineering SHP2 Phosphatase for Optical Control.

Signal transduction pathways are responsible for maintaining cellular functions, including proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and cell cycle progression. These pathways are maintained through the propagation of phosphorylation signals by protein kinases, as well as the removal of phosphorylation signals by protein phosphatases. Depending on the context, post-translational modification could have either a positive or negative effect on a signaling pathway. Intricate networks of positive and negative regulators offer a challenging target for the dissection of cell signaling mechanisms, particularly regarding the more subtle dampening of signal transduction through phosphatases. We report the development of two complimentary methods for the optical control of a complex phosphatase: SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2). We investigated controlling the catalytic function of SHP2 through (1) site-specific incorporation of a caged tyrosine for light activation of catalytic activity for the control of an essential substrate binding residue and (2) site-specific incorporation of a caged lysine at a conserved residue within an allosteric pocket for the control of SHP2 binding partner docking sites. These methods are generalizable to proteins bearing either a protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP) catalytic domain or an SH2 domain, including SHP1, PTP family phosphatases, and a diverse range of SH2 domain-containing proteins.

SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP-2) prevents cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction through ERK/SMAD signaling pathway.

In this study, we aimed to investigate the role of SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP-2) in cardiac remodeling after myocardial infarction (MI) and explore the underlying molecular mechanism. MI model was established by ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery. C57/BL6J mice were randomly administered with 3.0mg/kg/day PHPS1 (PHPS1-treated group) or normal saline (model group) by intraperitoneal injection. After 4weeks of infusion, the effects of PHPS1 on cardiac remodeling were evaluated. Echocardiography results showed that PHPS1 treatment aggravated the MI-induced deterioration of cardiac function, with worse cardiac function parameters. PHPS1 treatment significantly increased the infarcted area, as well as the fibrotic area and the expression of collagen I and collagen III. Western blots and immunofluorescence staining showed that PHPS1 treatment up-regulated the expression of p-GRK2, p-SMAD2/3 and p-ERK1/2, while U0126 reversed the effect of PHPS1. The present study indicated that PHPS1 treatment contributed to myocardial fibrosis and infarction by activating ERK/SMAD signaling pathway, suggesting that SHP-2 may be a promising treatment target for cardiac remodeling after MI.

Identification, recombinant expression and immunological study of Lja-SHP2 in Lampetra japonica.

The protein tyrosine phosphatase SHP2 of higher vertebrates, encoded by ptpn11 gene, catalyzes the dephosphorylation of tyrosine phosphorylation site, and plays regulatory roles in various signaling pathways by cooperating with other protein tyrosine kinase. Previous studies have shown that SHP2 plays an important role in the activation and signal transduction of T and B cells in higher vertebrates. To study the role of a SHP2 homologous molecule of lampreys (Lja-SHP2) in immune response, we cloned and expressed the open reading frame sequence of Lja-SHP2 gene in prokaryotic expression vector pET-32a. The recombinant protein was successfully expressed in E. coli and the rabbit-derived polyclonal antibody was prepared. Lampetra japonica were immunized with mixed bacteria, and the mRNA and protein of Lja-SHP2 in immune-related cells and tissues were detected by real-time quantitative PCR and Western blotting after immunization. The Lja-SHP2 mRNA and protein were not significantly affected in leukocytes and supraneural myeloid bodies, but up-regulated significantly in gill tissues (P<0.05) after challenged by mixed bacteria, which indicated that Lja-SHP2 mainly participates in the immune response of gill tissues after mixed bacteria stimulation. To further investigate whether Lja-SHP2 level was affected in three lymphocyte subsets, the B-cell mitogen lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and T-cell mitogen phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) were employed to boost the immune response in L. japonica. LPS immune stimulation increased Lja-SHP2 in leucocytes significantly compared with the control group, and but had a marginal effect on Lja-SHP2 expression in gills and supraneural myeloid bodies. PHA immune stimulation could up-regulate Lja-SHP2 level in leukocytes, gill tissues and supraneural myeloid bodies. The change of Lja-SHP2 was especially dramatical in leukocytes, which was about 2.5 times higher than that in the control group, suggesting that Lja-SHP2 is involved in the lamprey immune response mediated by PHA. Consistent with the previous finding that PHA could induce the activation of VLRA+ lymphocytes, our results showed that Lja-SHP2 might be included in the immune response of VLRA+ lymphocytes mediated by PHA in gills. This research will benefit exploring the functions of Lja-SHP2 in the immune response of lamprey and will provide clues for understanding the phylogenesis of SHP2 molecular family, and its roles in the early occurrence and evolution of adaptive immune system in higher vertebrates.

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.

Changes and significance of histone acetylation associated with forkhead box P3 gene during the acute phase of Kawasaki disease

Objective To investigate the histone acetylation status of forkhead box P3(Foxp3) gene and its roles in immunological pathogenesis of Kawasaki disease(KD). Methods Forty-two children with KD and 32 age-matched healthy children consented to participate in this study as a control group.Co-immunoprecipitation and real-time PCR were performed to determine acetylation levels of histone H4 associated with Foxp3 gene and binding abilities of Kruppel like factor 10(KLF10) and p300/CBP-associated factor (PCAF) with Foxp3 gene in CD4+ T cells.The proportion of CD4+ CD25high Foxp3+ cells (Treg) and protein levels of Foxp3, KLF10, PCAF, phosphated SMAD family member 2/3(pSmad2/3) and itchy E3 ubiquitin protein ligase(Itch) were analyzed by flow cytometry.Quantitative real-time PCR was used to evaluate the levels of Foxp3, transforming growth factor-β1 receptor Ⅱ (TGF-βRⅡ), transforming growth factor-β1 receptor Ⅰ(TGF-βRⅠ), tyrosine kinase 2(Tyk2), SH2 domain-containing protein-tyrosine phosphatase-2(SHP2) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated protein 4(CTLA4) mRNA in Treg.Plasma concentrations of TGF-β and interleukin-6(IL-6) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results (1)Compared with the control group, the proportion of Treg, expression levels of Foxp3 and TGF-β, and histone acetylation levels of Foxp3 promoter decreased remarkably during acute KD, and the differences were all statistically significant(all P<0.05), and restored after IVIG therapy(all P<0.05). Meanwhile, the 5 indexes aforementioned in KD patients with coronary artery lesions (KD-CAL+ ) were lower than those without coronary artery lesions(KD-CAL-), and the differences were all statistically significant (all P<0.05). (2)Compared with the control group, protein levels of KLF10 and PCAF in Treg cells, and their binding abilities with Foxp3 gene were significantly down-regulated during acute KD, and the differences were all statistically significant(all P<0.05), and restored to some extent after IVIG treatment(all P<0.05). Positive correlations between protein levels of KLF10 and PCAF, and mRNA level of Foxp3 were detected in acute KD patients (r=0.47, 0.59, all P<0.05). Furthermore, protein levels of KLF10 and PCAF and their binding abilities with Foxp3 gene in KD-CAL+ group were lower than those in KD-CAL- group, and the differences were all statistically significant(all P<0.05). (3) Compared with the control group, the plasma concentration of TGF-β and expressions of TGF-βRⅡ/Ⅰ, pSmad2/3, Itch, CTLA4 and SHP2 in Treg were down-regulated during the acute phase of KD, and the differences were all statistically significant(all P<0.05), as well as plasma concentration of IL-6 and expression its downstream molecule Tyk2 increased remarkably in patients with acute KD(all P<0.05). All the indexes mentioned before restored significantly after IVIG treatment (all P<0.05). Simultaneously, the 7 former indexes in KD-CAL+ group were found to be lower than those in KD-CAL- group, while 2 indexes of the latter in KD-CAL+ group were higher than those in KD-CAL- group, and the differences were all statistically significant(all P<0.05). Conclusion Histone hypoacetylation of Foxp3 promoter might be one of the important factors contributing to insufficiency and dysfunction of regulatory T cells during acute Kawasaki disease. Key words: Kawasaki disease; Foxp3; Histone; Acetylation; Immune

Resveratrol inhibits collagen-induced platelet stimulation through suppressing NADPH oxidase and oxidative inactivation of SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) produced upon collagen stimulation are implicated in propagating various platelet-activating pathways. Among ROS-producing enzymes, NADPH oxidase (NOX) is largely responsible for collagen receptor-dependent ROS production. Therefore, NOX has been proposed as a novel target for the development of antiplatelet agent. We here investigate whether resveratrol inhibits collagen-induced NOX activation and further examine the effects of resveratrol on ROS-dependent signaling pathways in collagen-stimulated platelets. Collagen-induced superoxide anion production in platelets was inhibited by resveratrol. Resveratrol suppressed collagen-induced phosphorylation of p47phox, a major regulatory subunit of NOX. Correlated with the inhibitory effects on NOX, resveratrol protected SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP-2) from ROS-mediated inactivation and subsequently attenuated the specific tyrosine phosphorylation of key components (spleen tyrosine kinase, Vav1, Bruton’s tyrosine kinase, and phospholipase Cγ2) for collagen receptor signaling cascades. Resveratrol also inhibited downstream responses such as cytosolic calcium elevation, P-selectin surface exposure, and integrin-αIIbβ3 activation. Furthermore, resveratrol inhibited platelet aggregation and adhesion in response to collagen. The antiplatelet effects of resveratrol through the inhibition of NOX-derived ROS production and subsequent oxidative inactivation of SHP-2 suggest that resveratrol is a potential compound for prevention and treatment of thrombovascular diseases.

Kaempferol suppresses collagen-induced platelet activation by inhibiting NADPH oxidase and protecting SHP-2 from oxidative inactivation

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated upon collagen stimulation act as second messengers to propagate various platelet-activating events. Among the ROS-generating enzymes, NADPH oxidase (NOX) plays a prominent role in platelet activation. Thus, NOX has been suggested as a novel target for anti-platelet drug development. Although kaempferol has been identified as a NOX inhibitor, the influence of kaempferol on the activation of platelets and the underlying mechanism have never been investigated. Here, we studied the effects of kaempferol on NOX activation, ROS-dependent signaling pathways, and functional responses in collagen-stimulated platelets. Superoxide anion generation stimulated by collagen was significantly inhibited by kaempferol in a concentration-dependent manner. More importantly, kaempferol directly bound p47phox, a major regulatory subunit of NOX, and significantly inhibited collagen-induced phosphorylation of p47phox and NOX activation. In accordance with the inhibition of NOX, ROS-dependent inactivation of SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP-2) was potently protected by kaempferol. Subsequently, the specific tyrosine phosphorylation of key components (Syk, Vav1, Btk, and PLCγ2) of collagen receptor signaling pathways was suppressed by kaempferol. Kaempferol also attenuated downstream responses, including cytosolic calcium elevation, P-selectin surface exposure, and integrin-αIIbβ3 activation. Ultimately, kaempferol inhibited platelet aggregation and adhesion in response to collagen in vitro and prolonged in vivo thrombotic response in carotid arteries of mice. This study shows that kaempferol impairs collagen-induced platelet activation through inhibition of NOX-derived ROS production and subsequent oxidative inactivation of SHP-2. This effect suggests that kaempferol has therapeutic potential for the prevention and treatment of thrombovascular diseases.

Growth arrest and DNA damage 45G down-regulation contributes to janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 activation and cellular senescence evasion in hepatocellular carcinoma

Growth arrest and DNA damage 45G (GADD45G), a stress sensor with multiple implications in various biological processes, is down-regulated in a broad spectrum of cancers. However, little is known about the biological effects of GADD45G on hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells and the related mechanisms. In the present study, we found that GADD45G was commonly down-regulated in oncogene-transformed mouse liver cells and in human and mouse HCC. Ectopic expression of GADD45G robustly elicited senescence in HCC cells and suppressed tumor growth in vivo. Furthermore, GADD45G-induced senescence occurred in HCC cells independently of p53, p16(INK4a) (p16), and retinoblastoma (Rb). Instead, the prompt inhibition of Janus kinase 2 (Jak2), tyrosine kinase 2 (Tyk2), and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) activation was observed in cells undergoing senescence. Impairment of Jak-Stat3 activation caused by GADD45G expression was associated with activation of SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (Shp2). Expression of constitutively activated Stat3 or human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), as well as knockdown of Shp2f, efficiently counteracted GADD45G-induced senescence. More important, in clinical HCC specimens, we found that GADD45G expression was inversely correlated with phosphorylated Stat3 expression in tumor cells and disease progression. GADD45G functions as a negative regulator of the Jak-Stat3 pathway and inhibits HCC by inducing cellular senescence. The decrease or absence of GADD45G expression may be a key event for tumor cells or premalignant liver cells to bypass cellular senescence.

Gab2, via PI-3K, Regulates ARF1 in FcεRI-Mediated Granule Translocation and Mast Cell Degranulation

Mast cells are major players in allergic responses. IgE-dependent activation through FcεR leads to degranulation and cytokine production, both of which require Gab2. To clarify how the signals diverge at Gab2, we established Gab2 knock-in mice that express Gab2 mutated at either the PI3K or SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) binding sites. Examination of these mutants showed that both binding sites were required for the degranulation and anaphylaxis response but not for cytokine production or contact hypersensitivity. Furthermore, the PI3K, but not the SHP2, binding site was important for granule translocation during degranulation. We also identified a small GTPase, ADP-ribosylation factor (ARF)1, as the downstream target of PI3K that regulates granule translocation. FcεRI stimulation induced ARF1 activation, and this response was dependent on Fyn and the PI3K binding site of Gab2. ARF1 activity was required for FcεRI-mediated granule translocation. These data indicated that Fyn/Gab2/PI3K/ARF1-mediated signaling is specifically involved in granule translocation and the anaphylaxis response.

PTP1B and SHP2 in POMC neurons reciprocally regulate energy balance in mice

Protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) have been shown in mice to regulate metabolism via the central nervous system, but the specific neurons mediating these effects are unknown. Here, we have shown that proopiomelanocortin (POMC) neuron-specific deficiency in PTP1B or SHP2 in mice results in reciprocal effects on weight gain, adiposity, and energy balance induced by high-fat diet. Mice with POMC neuron-specific deletion of the gene encoding PTP1B (referred to herein as POMC-Ptp1b-/- mice) had reduced adiposity, improved leptin sensitivity, and increased energy expenditure compared with wild-type mice, whereas mice with POMC neuron-specific deletion of the gene encoding SHP2 (referred to herein as POMC-Shp2-/- mice) had elevated adiposity, decreased leptin sensitivity, and reduced energy expenditure. POMC-Ptp1b-/- mice showed substantially improved glucose homeostasis on a high-fat diet, and hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp studies revealed that insulin sensitivity in these mice was improved on a standard chow diet in the absence of any weight difference. In contrast, POMC-Shp2-/- mice displayed impaired glucose tolerance only secondary to their increased weight gain. Interestingly, hypothalamic Pomc mRNA and alpha-melanocyte-stimulating hormone (alphaMSH) peptide levels were markedly reduced in POMC-Shp2-/- mice. These studies implicate PTP1B and SHP2 as important components of POMC neuron regulation of energy balance and point to what we believe to be a novel role for SHP2 in the normal function of the melanocortin system.

Src-family tyrosine kinases, phosphoinositide 3-kinase and Gab1 regulate extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 activation induced by the type A endothelin-1 G-protein-coupled receptor

The multisubstrate docking protein, growth-factor-receptor-bound protein 2-associated binder 1 (Gab1), which is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues following activation of receptor tyrosine kinases and cytokine receptors, regulates cell proliferation, survival and epithelial morphogenesis. Gab1 is also tyrosine phosphorylated following activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) where its function is poorly understood. To elucidate the role of Gab1 in GPCR signalling, we investigated the mechanism by which the type A endothelin-1 (ET-1) GPCR induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Gab1. Tyrosine phosphorylation of Gab1 induced by endothelin-1 was inhibited by PP1, a pharmacological inhibitor of Src-family tyrosine kinases. ET-1-induced Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation was also inhibited by LY294002, which inhibits phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) enzymes. Inhibition of Src-family tyrosine kinases or PI 3-kinase also inhibited ET-1-induced activation of the mitogen activated protein kinase family member, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1. Thus we determined whether Gab1 regulated ET-1-induced ERK1 activation. Overexpression of wild-type Gab1 potentiated ET-1-induced activation of ERK1. Structure–function analyses of Gab1 indicated that mutant forms of Gab1 that do not bind the Src homology (SH) 2 domains of the p85 adapter subunit of PI 3-kinase or the SH2-domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP-2) were impaired in their ability to potentiate ET-1-induced ERK1 activation. Taken together, our data indicate that PI 3-kinase and Src-family tyrosine kinases regulate ET-1-induced Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation, which, in turn, induces ERK1 activation via PI 3-kinase- and SHP-2-dependent pathways.

Src-family tyrosine kinases, phosphoinositide 3-kinase and Gab1 regulate extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1 activation induced by the type A endothelin-1 G-protein-coupled receptor.

The multisubstrate docking protein, growth-factor-receptor-bound protein 2-associated binder 1 (Gab1), which is phosphorylated on tyrosine residues following activation of receptor tyrosine kinases and cytokine receptors, regulates cell proliferation, survival and epithelial morphogenesis. Gab1 is also tyrosine phosphorylated following activation of G-protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) where its function is poorly understood. To elucidate the role of Gab1 in GPCR signalling, we investigated the mechanism by which the type A endothelin-1 (ET-1) GPCR induced tyrosine phosphorylation of Gab1. Tyrosine phosphorylation of Gab1 induced by endothelin-1 was inhibited by PP1, a pharmacological inhibitor of Src-family tyrosine kinases. ET-1-induced Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation was also inhibited by LY294002, which inhibits phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI 3-kinase) enzymes. Inhibition of Src-family tyrosine kinases or PI 3-kinase also inhibited ET-1-induced activation of the mitogen activated protein kinase family member, extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1. Thus we determined whether Gab1 regulated ET-1-induced ERK1 activation. Overexpression of wild-type Gab1 potentiated ET-1-induced activation of ERK1. Structure-function analyses of Gab1 indicated that mutant forms of Gab1 that do not bind the Src homology (SH) 2 domains of the p85 adapter subunit of PI 3-kinase or the SH2-domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase 2 (SHP-2) were impaired in their ability to potentiate ET-1-induced ERK1 activation. Taken together, our data indicate that PI 3-kinase and Src-family tyrosine kinases regulate ET-1-induced Gab1 tyrosine phosphorylation, which, in turn, induces ERK1 activation via PI 3-kinase- and SHP-2-dependent pathways.

Increased susceptibility to ischemia-induced brain damage in transgenic mice overexpressing a dominant negative form of SHP2.

Cell culture studies have established SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP2) as an important factor in growth factor and cytokine-activated signaling pathways. However, the significance of SHP2 in the mammalian central nervous system (CNS) is not known since early embryonic lethality occurs in shp2 null mice. To bypass this embryonic lethality, transgenic animals containing a catalytically inactive mutant of SHP2 (SHP2-CS) under the control of a nestin intron II/thymidine kinase minimal promoter were generated. In the developing CNS of these animals, although high-level transgene expression was detected in the neuroepithelium, there was no obvious abnormality in progenitor cell proliferation or migration. In the adult brain, high-level transgene expression was detected in the subventricular zone, rostral migratory stream, dentate gyrus of hippocampus, and cerebellum. Because SHP2 function is likely important in cell survival pathways, we used a focal cerebral ischemia model to examined whether SHP2 is important during CNS injury. Ischemia-induced damage and neuronal death was found to be significantly greater in nestin-SHP2-CS mice than in wild-type littermates. These findings indicate that SHP2 is a required factor in signaling pathway(s) important for neuronal survival.

Functional requirement for SAP in 2B4-mediated activation of human natural killer cells as revealed by the X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome.

X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) is an immunodeficiency characterized by life-threatening infectious mononucleosis and EBV-induced B cell lymphoma. The gene mutated in XLP encodes SLAM (signaling lymphocytic activation molecule-associated protein)-associated protein (SAP), a small SH2 domain-containing protein. SAP associates with 2B4 and SLAM, activating receptors expressed by NK and T cells, and prevents recruitment of SH2 domain-containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 SHP-2) to the cytoplasmic domains of these receptors. The phenotype of XLP may therefore result from perturbed signaling through SAP-associating receptors. We have addressed the functional consequence of SAP deficiency on 2B4-mediated NK cell activation. Ligating 2B4 on normal human NK cells with anti-2B4 mAb or interaction with transfectants bearing the 2B4 ligand CD48 induced NK cell cytotoxicity. In contrast, ligation of 2B4 on NK cells from a SAP-deficient XLP patient failed to initiate cytotoxicity. Despite this, CD2 or CD16-induced cytotoxicity of SAP-deficient NK cells was similar to that of normal NK cells. Thus, selective impairment of 2B4-mediated NK cell activation may contribute to the immunopathology of XLP.

Cutting Edge: Human 2B4, an Activating NK Cell Receptor, Recruits the Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP-2 and the Adaptor Signaling Protein SAP

The genetic defect in X-linked lymphoproliferative syndrome (XLP) is the Src homology 2 domain-containing protein SAP. SAP constitutively associates with the cell surface molecule, signaling lymphocytic activation molecule (SLAM), and competes with SH2-domain containing protein tyrosine phosphatase-2 (SHP-2) for recruitment to SLAM. SLAM exhibits homology with the mouse cell surface receptor 2B4. The human homologue of 2B4 has now been identified. It is recognized by the c1.7 mAb, a mAb capable of activating human NK cells. Human 2B4 became tyrosine phosphorylated following pervanadate-treatment of transfected cells and recruited SHP-2. SAP was also recruited to 2B4 in activated cells. Importantly, the 2B4-SAP interaction prevented the association between 2B4 and SHP-2. These results suggest that the phenotype of XLP may result from perturbed signaling not only through SLAM, but also other cell surface molecules that utilize SAP as a signaling adaptor protein.