Noonan syndrome/leukemia-associated gain-of-function mutations in SHP-2 phosphatase (PTPN11) enhance cell migration and angiogenesis

J Biol Chem. 2009 Jan 9;284(2):913-20. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M804129200. Epub 2008 Nov 13.

Abstract

Mutations in SHP-2 phosphatase (PTPN11) that cause hyperactivation of its catalytic activity have been identified in Noonan syndrome and various childhood leukemias. Recent studies suggest that the gain-of-function (GOF) mutations of SHP-2 play a causal role in the pathogenesis of these diseases. However, the molecular mechanisms by which GOF mutations of SHP-2 induce these phenotypes are not fully understood. Here, we show that GOF mutations in SHP-2, such as E76K and D61G, drastically increase spreading and migration of various cell types, including hematopoietic cells, endothelial cells, and fibroblasts. More importantly, in vivo angiogenesis in SHP-2 D61G knock-in mice is also enhanced. Mechanistic studies suggest that the increased cell migration is attributed to the enhanced beta1 integrin outside-in signaling. In response to beta1 integrin cross-linking or fibronectin stimulation, activation of ERK and Akt kinases is greatly increased by SHP-2 GOF mutations. Also, integrin-induced activation of RhoA and Rac1 GTPases is elevated. Interestingly, mutant cells with the SHP-2 GOF mutation (D61G) are more sensitive than wild-type cells to the suppression of cell motility by inhibition of these pathways. Collectively, these studies reaffirm the positive role of SHP-2 phosphatase in cell motility and suggest a new mechanism by which SHP-2 GOF mutations contribute to diseases.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Cell Line, Tumor
  • Cell Movement / genetics*
  • Gene Expression Regulation, Enzymologic / genetics
  • Leukemia / enzymology*
  • Leukemia / genetics
  • Leukemia / pathology*
  • Mice
  • Mice, Inbred C57BL
  • Mice, Transgenic
  • Mutation / genetics
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / enzymology*
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / genetics
  • Neovascularization, Pathologic / pathology
  • Noonan Syndrome / enzymology*
  • Noonan Syndrome / genetics
  • Noonan Syndrome / pathology*
  • Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 11 / genetics
  • Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 11 / metabolism*
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase, Non-Receptor Type 11