Activation of c-Src and Fyn kinases by protein-tyrosine phosphatase RPTPα is substrate-specific and compatible with lipid raft localization

Abstract

Src family tyrosine kinases (SFKs) function in multiple signaling pathways, raising the question of how appropriate regulation and substrate choice are achieved. SFK activity is modulated by several protein-tyrosine phosphatases, among which RPTPα and SHP2 are the best established. We studied how RPTPα affects substrate specificity and regulation of c-Src and Fyn in response to epidermal growth factor and platelet-derived growth factor. We find that RPTPα, in a growth factor-specific manner, directs the specificity of these kinases toward a specific subset of SFK substrates, particularly the focal adhesion protein Paxillin and the lipid raft scaffolding protein Cbp/PAG. A significant fraction of RPTPα is present in lipid rafts, where its targets Fyn and Cbp/PAG reside, and growth factor-mediated SFK activation within this compartment is strictly dependent on RPTPα. Forced concentration of RPTPα into lipid rafts is compatible with activation of Fyn. Finally, RPTPα-induced phosphorylation of Paxillin and Cbp/PAG induces recruitment of the SFK inhibitory kinase Csk, indicative of negative feedback loops limiting SFK activation by RPTPα. Our findings indicate that individual SFK-controlling PTPs play important and specific roles in dictating SFK substrate specificity and regulatory mechanism. © 2008 by The American Society for Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Inc.