The EphA8 receptor phosphorylates and activates low molecular weight phosphotyrosine protein phosphatase in vitro

Low molecular weight phosphotyrosine protein phosphatase (LMW-PTP) has been implicated in modulating the EphB1-mediated signaling pathway. In this study, we demonstrated that the EphA8 receptor phosphorylates LMW-PTP in vitro. In addition, we discovered that mixing these two proteins leads to EphA8 dephosphorylation in the absence of phosphatase inhibitors. Finally, we demonstrated that LMW-PTP, modified by the EphA8 autokinase activity, possesses enhanced catalytic activity in vitro. These results suggest that LMW-PTP may also participate in a feedback-control mechanism of the EphA8 receptor autokinase activity in vivo.