Cellular Dynamics Controlled by Phosphatases

Abstract

Protein phosphorylation, a fundamental post-translation modification that acts as a backbone of signaling networks, is essential for multiple aspects of eukaryote physiology. Phosphorylation status of a substrate is dependent on opposing activities of two distinct enzymes, where the relevant kinase catalyzes the modification and is reversed by a phosphatase. Historically, kinases have been at the research forefront; however, phosphatases have gained importance with many studies revealing predominant roles for these enzymes in controlling the cellular responses. Phosphatases are known to attenuate or amplify signaling by operating both as early, as well as delayed regulators of signal transduction. This review is focused on describing the versatile roles of phosphatases in controlling different cellular pathways through their spatio-temporal dynamics during signaling.