The Tyrosine Phosphatase SHP2: A Key Molecule Linked both Type 2 Diabetes and Cancers?

Abstract

Emerging epidemiological evidence suggests that T2DM may be associated with an increased risk of certain cancers. However, the underlying molecular mechanism linked these two diseases remains largely unknown. SHP2, a non-receptor protein tyrosine phosphatase encoded by pro-oncogene PTPN11, has been reported involved in insulin resistance through PI3K/Akt/mOTR signaling and has also been considered to play a vital role in carcinogenesis via Ras/Erk pathways. Based on our previous studies, we hypothesize that SHP2 may present a key molecule linked both T2DM and cancers through both Ras/Erk and PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. We believe that the comprehensive and detailed investigation of SHP2 may provide a new insight into the underlying molecular mechanism linked both T2DM and cancers, thereby facilitating the process to discover novel therapeutic targets to prevent and treat cancers.