The role of pseudophosphatases as signaling regulators

Abstract

Pseudophosphatases are atypical members of the protein tyrosine phosphatase superfamily. Mutations within their catalytic signature motif render them catalytically inactive. Despite this lack of catalytic function, pseudophosphatases have been implicated in various diseases such as Charcot Marie-Tooth disorder, cancer, metabolic disorder, and obesity. Moreover, they have roles in various signaling networks such as spermatogenesis, apoptosis, stress response, tumorigenesis, and neurite differentiation. This review highlights the roles of pseudophosphatases as essential regulators in signaling cascades, providing insight into the function of these catalytically inactive enzymes.

Keywords: Dead enzymes; MK-STYX [MAPK (mitogen-activated protein kinase) phosphoserine/threonine/tyrosine-binding protein]; Protein tyrosine phosphatases; Pseudoenzymes; Pseudophosphatases; STYX (phosphor/serine/threonine/tyrosine-binding protein).