Cell Lines For Studying Serine-threonine Phosphatase

Phosphatases in disease

Many phosphatases are key in the development of pathological pathways where inhibition can reverse or delay the onset of human diseases.

Abnormal serine/threonine phosphatase activity has been linked with several diseases, including diabetes, cardiovascular disorders, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, the pharmacological manipulation of phosphatase activity is an attractive strategy for the treatment of such conditions.

Serine/Theonine phosphatases are metal-requiring enzymes that regulate many pathways involved in cell proliferation, programmed cell death (apoptosis), embryonic development, and cell differentiation. They are grouped into two gene families - the PPP and the PPM gene families, based on sequence analysis. 

PPP Gene family

The PP1 subfamily is comprised of a catalytic subunit that interacts with several proteins including targeting subunits and inhibitor proteins.

The PP2A subfamily are heterotrimers comprised of a catalytic subunit and two regulatory subunits.

PPM Gene Family

This group corresponds to the PP2C enzymes, which are activated by high concentrations of magnesium. This subfamily is less well-studied than the PPP group, and little is known about their regulation.

Examples of popular knockout cell lines for studying Serine-threonine Phosphatase