Grant: Operating Grant

A type of enzyme that removes phosphates from other proteins is named "phosphatase". PTPN12 is one such enzyme. It is present inside all cells. Previous work showed that PTPN12 has the key role of controlling the ability of cells to move, attach and detach. This is critical for a number of life-maintaining functions such as development of the embryo, wound healing and immune protection against microbes and cancer. New data indicate that PTPN12 is also needed for the activities of certain molecules located at the surface of the cell and known as "receptors". We have found that, as a result of this novel role, PTPN12 is essential for the ability of cells of the immune system called "macrophages" to eat and destroy cancer cells and defective cells. We and others have also determined that, through this activity, PTPN12 slows down the development of certain cancers, by controlling the ability of cancer cells to move and invade healthy tissues. This project is aimed at pursuing these new exciting clues regarding PTPN12. We trust that it will augment our knowledge of what PTPN12 does and how it does it in health and disease. Importantly, it may also lead to identification of new ways to kill cancer cells through macrophages. In addition, it may enable the discovery of new treatments to slow down the development of certain cancers.