Regulation of SHIP2 function through plasma membrane interaction

A fundamental aspect of signalling concerns the precise cellular localization of the enzymes acting on phosphoinositides, particularly PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃. SHIP1/2 phosphatases, that dephosphorylate PtdIns(3,4,5)P₃ to PtdIns(3,4)P₂, have a series of interacting motives that favour protein:protein interactions. A large number of proteins, receptors, protein kinases, cytoskeletal and adaptor proteins have been shown to bind to SHIP1/2 thereby modulating their own function and localization. SHIP2 localization has been studied at endogenous level in a series of cell models (MEFs, COS-7 and HeLa cells). In cells maintained in serum, SHIP2 localization was shown to be perinuclear with some staining at the nuclear level as well. In response to EGF, SHIP2 has been shown to translocate to the periphery of the cells (i.e. plasma membranes). This effect was transient with a maximum at 15 min stimulation by EGF.