O-phospho-L-tyrosine inhibits cellular growth by activating protein tyrosine phosphatases.

Abstract

O-Phospho-L-tyrosine (P-Tyr), a substrate for a wide range of protein tyrosine phosphatases, inhibited growth of human renal and breast carcinoma cells. Growth was blocked in the S phase of the cell cycle. A decrease in the amount of cyclin proteins A and B was also observed. P-Tyr incubation led to activation of cellular protein tyrosine phosphatases resulting in the inhibition of tyrosine phosphorylation of epidermal growth factor receptor as well as of p34cdc2. P-Tyr synergistically sensitized the renal carcinoma ACHN cells to killing by the chemotherapeutic agents doxorubicin and etoposide. These growth inhibitory properties of P-Tyr in vitro suggest its possible use as an anticancer agent.