Protein tyrosine phosphatases in disease processes

Abstract

Given the importance of tyrosine phosphorylation of proteins in signalling pathways, it is perhaps not surprising that protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are involved in the pathogenesis of certain human diseases. A PTP produced by the Yersinia bacteria (which can cause bubonic plague, septicemia and enteric diseases) is thought to be used as a `weapon' against host cell functions. In addition, dysfunction of cells' endogenous PTPs may contribute to defective immune function, to cancer and to diabetes.