Phosphoinositide 5-phosphatases are critical enzymes in modulating the concentrations of PI(3,4,5)P(3), PI(4,5)P(2) and PI(3,5)P(2). The SH2 domain containing inositol 5-phosphatases SHIP1 and SHIP2 belong to this family of enzymes very much involved in physiopathology and development. Therefore activity and localization of the enzymes are particularly important taking into account both catalytic and non-catalytic mechanisms of the SHIP phosphatases. Several different mechanisms have been reported for SHIP2 targeting that often result from specific protein:protein interactions. In unstimulated astrocytoma cells, SHIP2 has a perinuclear and cytoplasmic localization. In serum-stimulated cells, SHIP2 can be localized at the plasma membrane and at focal contacts in polarized cells. A phosphorylated form of SHIP2 on S132 can be found in the nucleus and nuclear speckles. When present at the plasma membrane, SHIP2 may control the intracellular level of PI(3,4,5)P(3) thereby producing PI(3,4)P(2). When present in the nucleus, SHIP2 probably associates to other nuclear proteins such as lamin A/C and could potentially control nuclear PI(4,5)P(2). Finally, its presence at focal adhesions and lamellipodia could suggest a role in cell adhesion and migration. It is proposed that the complex phenotype observed in SHIP2 mutant mice in tissue development and growth could result from the addition of plasma membrane and nuclear effects consecutive to SHIP2 alteration.
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