Role of PTPN11 (SHP2) in Cancer

Src homology-2 domain-containing phosphatase 2 (SHP2), encoded by the PTPN11 gene, is a highly conserved, non-transmembrane protein-tyrosine phosphatase (PTP), found in all metazoans. The molecular details of SHP2 regulation by phosphotyrosyl (pTyr) peptide ligand binding are well-understood, and knowledge of these details is critical to understanding SHP2 function in health and disease. Studies using mice with gain- or loss-of-function alleles of Ptpn11 have provided much detail about the physiological functions and signaling pathways regulated by SHP2 at the cellular and whole organism levels. Germline mutations in PTPN11 cause Noonan syndrome, Noonan syndrome with multiple lentigines (previously, LEOPARD syndrome), as well as the cartilage tumor syndrome, metachondromatosis. Somatic PTPN11 mutations occur in several types of hematologic malignancy, most notably juvenile myelomonocytic leukemia and, more rarely, in neuroblastoma and other solid tumors. PTPN11 is crucial for transformation initiated by mutant receptor-tyrosine kinases (RTKs) and is an important effector of H. pylori virulence. However, the direct target(s) of SHP2 responsible for its physiological and pathological effects remain controversial and their identification remains a major goal for the future research.