High-Frequency Quartz Crystal Microbalance and Dual-Signaling Electrochemical Ratiometric Assays of PTP1B Activity Based on COF@Au@Fc Hybrids.

The abnormal expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is highly related to several serious human diseases. Therefore, an accurate PTP1B activity assay is beneficial to the diagnosis and treatment of these diseases. In this study, a dual-mode biosensing platform that enabled the sensitive and accurate assay of PTP1B activity was constructed based on the high-frequency (100 MHz) quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) and dual-signaling electrochemical (EC) ratiometric strategy. Covalent-organic framework@gold nanoparticles@ferrocene@single-strand DNA (COF@Au@Fc-S0) was introduced onto the QCM Au chip via the chelation between Zr4+ and phosphate groups (phosphate group of the phosphopeptide (P-peptide) on the QCM Au chip and the phosphate group of thiol-labeled single-stranded DNA (S0) on COF@Au@Fc-S0) and used as a signal reporter. When PTP1B was present, the dephosphorylation of the P-peptide led to the release of COF@Au@Fc-S0 from the QCM Au chip, resulting in an increase in the frequency of the QCM. Meanwhile, the released COF@Au@Fc-S0 hybridized with thiol/methylene blue (MB)-labeled hairpin DNA (S1-MB) on the Au NPs-modified indium-tin oxide (ITO) electrode. This caused MB to be far away from the electrode surface and Fc to be close to the electrode, leading to a decrease in the oxidation peak current of MB and an increase in the oxidation peak current of Fc. Thus, PTP1B-induced dephosphorylation of the P-peptide was monitored in real time by QCM, and PTP1B activity was detected sensitively and reliably using this innovative QCM-EC dual-mode sensing platform with an ultralow detection limit. This platform is anticipated to serve as a robust tool for the analysis of protein phosphatase activity and the discovery of drugs targeting protein phosphatase.

Real-time monitoring of dephosphorylation process of phosphopeptide and rapid assay of PTP1B activity based on a 100 MHz QCM biosensing platform.

The misregulation of protein phosphatases is a key factor in the development of many human diseases, notably cancers. Here, based on a 100 MHz quartz crystal microbalance (QCM) biosensing platform, the dephosphorylation process of phosphopeptide (P-peptide) caused by protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) was monitored in real time for the first time and PTP1B activity was assayed rapidly and sensitively. The QCM chip, coated with a gold (Au) film, was used to immobilized thiol-labeled single-stranded 5'-phosphate-DNAs (P-DNA) through Au-S bond. The P-peptide, specific to PTP1B, was then connected to the P-DNA via chelation between Zr4+ and phosphate groups. When PTP1B was injected into the QCM flow cell where the P-peptide/Zr4+/MCH/P-DNA/Au chip was placed, the P-peptide was dephosphorylated and released from the Au chip surface, resulting in an increase in the frequency of the QCM Au chip. This allowed the real-time monitoring of the P-peptide dephosphorylation process and sensitive detection of PTP1B activity within 6 min with a linear detection range of 0.01-100 pM and a detection limit of 0.008 pM. In addition, the maximum inhibitory ratios of inhibitors were evaluated using this proposed 100 MHz QCM biosensor. The developed 100 MHz QCM biosensing platform shows immense potential for early diagnosis of diseases related to protein phosphatases and the development of drugs targeting protein phosphatases.

Dephosphorylation-directed tricyclic DNA amplification cascades for sensitive detection of protein tyrosine phosphatase.

We develop a new fluorescence method for the sensitive detection of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) based on dephosphorylation-directed tricyclic DNA amplification cascades. This method exhibits good specificity and high sensitivity with a detection limit of 0.24 pM. Moreover, it can be applied for kinetics analysis, inhibitor screening, and the accurate detection of PTP1B in a variety of cancer cells.

Role of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in the increased sensitivity of endothelial cells to a promigratory effect of erythropoietin in an inflammatory environment.

The proliferation and migration of endothelial cells are vascular events of inflammation, a process which can also potentiate the effects of promigratory factors. With the aim of investigating possible modifications in the activity of erythropoietin (Epo) in an inflammatory environment, we found that Epo at a non-promigratory concentration was capable of stimulating EA.hy926 endothelial cell migration when TNF-α was present. VCAM-1 and ICAM-1 expression, as well as adhesion of monocytic THP-1 cells to endothelial layers were also increased. Structurally modified Epo (carbamylation or N-homocysteinylation) did not exhibit these effects. The sensitizing effect of TNF-α on Epo activity was mediated by the Epo receptor. Inhibition assays targeting the PI3K/mTOR/NF-κB pathway, shared by Epo and TNF-α, show a cross-talk between both cytokines. As observed in assays using antioxidants, cell migration elicited by TNF-α + Epo depended on TNF-α-generated reactive oxygen species (ROS). ROS-mediated inactivation of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), involved in Epo signaling termination, could explain the synergistic effect of these cytokines. Our results suggest that ROS generated by inflammation inactivate PTP1B, causing the Epo signal to last longer. This mechanism, along with the cross-talk between both cytokines, could explain the sensitizing action of TNF-α on the migratory effect of Epo.

Peptide-templated gold nanoparticle nanosensor for simultaneous detection of multiple posttranslational modification enzymes.

We developed a peptide-templated gold nanoparticle (AuNP) nanosensor for simultaneous detection of multiple posttranslational modification (PTM) enzymes with a detection limit of 28 pM for histone deacetylase (HDAC) and 0.8 pM for protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B), and it can be further applied for the screening of PTM enzyme inhibitors and the measurement of PTM enzymes in cancer cells.

Internal standard fluorogenic probe based on vibration-induced emission for visualizing PTP1B in living cells.

Herein, as a proof of concept, we developed the first enzymatic VIE fluorogenic probe for protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B). The detection and imaging of PTP1B using VIE in living cells were both realized. Particularly importantly, the designed probe herein provides a guideline and platform for the development of new VIE-based enzymatic probes.

Proteomic Identification of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase and Substrate Interactions in Living Mammalian Cells by Genetic Encoding of Irreversible Enzyme Inhibitors.

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) play critical roles in cell signaling pathways, but identification of unknown PTPs for a given substrate in live cells remain technically challenging. Here, we synthesized a series of tyrosine-based irreversible PTP inhibitors and characterized by site-specific encoding on substrate proteins in cells with an expanded genetic code. By fine-tuning the chemical reactivity, we identified optimal active amino acid probes to covalently cross-link a PTP and its substrate both in vitro and in mammalian cells. Using HER2 as an example, we provide first direct evidence of HER2 Y1023 and SHP2 cross-linking in situ in living human cells. Moreover, proteomic analysis using our approach identified PTP1B as a novel phosphatase for HER2 that specifically dephosphorylated pY1221 position, which may shed light on the puzzle of PTP1B's role in HER2 positive breast cancer. This novel method provides a useful tool for dissecting tyrosine phosphoregulation in living cells.

Label-Free Detection of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) by Using a Rationally Designed Förster Resonance Energy Transfer (FRET) Probe.

A highly selective detection method of native protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is described using a target specific probe equipped with 1-naphthylamine (λex =330 nm, λem =445 nm). Irradiation of a mixture of PTP1B and Probe 1 with ultraviolet light of 280 nm (corresponding to PTP1B excitation maximum) resulted in significant fluorescence increase at 445 nm, following FRET characteristics. This phenomenon does not occur with other closely related phosphatases or cellular abundant alkaline phosphatase (APP). Probe 1, the most potent and selective probe, was found to competitively inhibit PTP1B (Ki ≈42 nm), whereas APP inhibition was found to be in the low micromolar range. Furthermore, Probe 1 discriminates between PTP1B and several other phosphatases. Here, we report real-time label-free FRET detection of pure PTP1B as well as induced human PTP1B in Escherichia coli cell lysate. In contrast to 6,8-difluoro-4-methylumbelliferyl phosphate (DiFMUP), a representative fluorescence turn-on PTP substrate, our FRET probe successfully differentiated human cervical carcinoma cell lysate, SiHa, which has a high expression level of PTP1B, from PTP1B-knockdown SiHa cell lysate (that is, siRNA was used for PTP1B knockdown).

Effect of protocatechuic acid on insulin responsiveness and inflammation in visceral adipose tissue from obese individuals: possible role for PTP1B.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES: The occurrence of chronic inflammation in visceral adipose tissue (VAT) in obese subjects precipitates the development of insulin resistance and type 2 diabetes (T2D). Anthocyanins and their main metabolite protocatechuic acid (PCA) have been demonstrated to stimulate insulin signaling in human adipocytes. The aim of this study was to investigate whether PCA is able to modulate insulin responsiveness and inflammation in VAT from obese (OB) and normal weight (NW) subjects. SUBJECTS/METHODS: VATs obtained from NW and OB subjects were incubated or not (control) with 100 µM PCA for 24 h. After incubation, tissues untreated and treated with PCA were acutely stimulated with insulin (20 nM, 20 min). PTP1B, p65 NF-κB, phospho-p65 NF-κB, IRS-1, IRß, Akt, GLUT4 as well as basal and insulin-stimulated Tyr-IRS-1 and Ser-Akt phosphorylations were assessed by Western blotting in NW- and OB-VAT. Samples were assessed for PTP1B activity and adipocytokine secretion. RESULTS: PCA restored insulin-induced phosphorylation in OB-VAT by increasing phospho-Tyr-IRS-1 and phospho-Ser-Akt after insulin stimulation as observed in NW-VAT (p < 0.05). PTP1B activity was lower in OB-VAT treated with PCA with respect to untreated (p < 0.05). Compared to non-treated tissues, PCA reduced phospho-p65 NF-κB and IL-6 in OB-VAT, and IL-1ß in NW-VAT (p < 0.05); and increased adiponectin secretion in NW-VAT (p < 0.05). CONCLUSION: PCA restores the insulin responsiveness of OB-VAT by increasing IRS-1 and Akt phosphorylation which could be related with the lower PTP1B activity found in PCA-treated OB-VAT. Furthermore, PCA diminishes inflammation in VAT. These results support the beneficial role of an anthocyanin-rich diet against inflammation and insulin resistance in obesity.

Roux-en-Y Gastric Bypass Improves Hepatic Glucose Metabolism Involving Down-Regulation of Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B in Obese Rats.

OBJECTIVE: This study was initiated to investigate the effects of Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) surgery on hepatic glucose metabolism and hepatic expression of protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in obese rats. METHODS: Body weight, glucose, intraperitoneal glucose, insulin, and pyruvate tolerance tests were performed pre- and postoperatively, and plasma lipid, insulin and glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) were measured. The mRNA levels of G6Pase, Pepck, Gsk-3ß and Gys-2, and the expression levels of PTP1B mRNA, protein, and other components of the insulin signaling pathway were measured by using RT-PCR and western blotting. The intracellular localization of PTP1B and hepatic glycogen deposition was also observed. RESULTS: RYGB surgery-treated rats showed persistent weight loss, significantly improved glucose tolerance, pyruvate tolerance, and dyslipidemia, as well as increased insulin sensitivity, hepatic glycogen deposition and increased plasma GLP-1 in obese rats. RT-PCR analyses showed Pepck, G6Pase, and Gsk-3ß mRNA to be significantly decreased, and Gys-2 mRNA to be significantly increased in liver tissue in the RYGB group (p < 0.05 vs. high-fat diet (HFD) or HFD + sham group); in addition, the expression of PTP1B were significantly decreased and insulin signaling were improved in the RYGB group (p < 0.05 vs. HFD or HFD + sham group). CONCLUSION: RYGB can improve hepatic glucose metabolism and down-regulate PTP1B in obese rats. An increased circulating GLP-1 concentration may be correlated with the effects following RYGB in obese rats.

Adsorption between TC-stabilized AuNPs and the phosphate group: application of the PTP1B activity assay.

Based on the adsorption between tetracycline (TC) and phosphate groups, a general colorimetric method is explored in this work by using TC-stabilized gold nanoparticles (TC/AuNPs) and 4-aminophenyl phosphate-functionalized Fe3O4 magnetic nanoparticles (APP/MNPs). Taking protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) as an example, 4-aminophenyl phosphate (APP) can be hydrolyzed into 4-aminophenol (AP) by PTP1B, resulting in the disappearance of the phosphate group on the outer layer of MNPs and the loss of corresponding adsorptive ability. Upon addition of TC/AuNP solution, TC/AuNPs will remain in the supernatant solution after magnetic separation and a high absorbance value can be observed. So PTP1B activity is related to the concentrations of TC/AuNPs in the supernatant solution. In this work, the enzyme activity can be determined at levels as low as 0.0885 U mL(-1) and over a linear detection range as wide as 0.1 U mL(-1) to 0.9 U mL(-1). Moreover, using the proposed method, the inhibition effect of betulinic acid (BA) and sodium orthovanadate (Na3VO4) on PTP1B activity can be tested with IC50 values of 30 µM and 4 µM, respectively. Therefore, a universal platform for the accurate colorimetric analysis of kinase and phosphatase activities can be established through the adsorption between TC and phosphate groups.

Differential regulation of FGFR3 by PTPN1 and PTPN2.

Aberrant expression and activation of FGFR3 is associated with disease states including bone dysplasia and malignancies of bladder, cervix, and bone marrow. MS analysis of protein-phosphotyrosine in multiple myeloma cells revealed a prevalent phosphorylated motif, D/EYYR/K, derived from the kinase domain activation loops of tyrosine kinases including FGFR3 corresponding to a recognition sequence of protein-tyrosine phosphatase PTPN1. Knockdown of PTPN1 or the related enzyme PTPN2 by RNAi resulted in ligand-independent activation of FGFR3. Modulation of FGFR3 activation loop phosphorylation by both PTPN1 and PTPN2 was a function of receptor trafficking and phosphotyrosine phosphatase (PTP) compartmentalization. The FGFR3 activation loop motif DYYKK(650) is altered to DYYKE(650) in the oncogenic variant FGFR3(K650E) , and consequently it is constitutively fully activated and unaffected by activation loop phosphorylation. FGFR3(K650E) was nevertheless remarkably sensitive to negative regulation by PTPN1 and PTPN2. This suggests that in addition to modulating FGFR3 phosphorylation, PTPN1 and PTPN2 constrain the kinase domain by fostering an inactive-state. Loss of this constraint in response to ligand or impaired PTPN1/N2 may initiate FGFR3 activation. These results suggest a model wherein PTP expression levels may define conditions that select for ectopic FGFR3 expression and activation during tumorigenesis.

A versatile fluorescence turn-on assay for highly sensitive detection of tyrosine phosphatase activity.

A simple but robust fluorescence turn-on assay is developed for highly sensitive detection of PTP1B activity by using calcein as the signaling element.

Beneficial effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on insulin signaling cascade, dyslipidemia, and body adiposity of diet-induced obese rats

Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) has been indicated as an efficient medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2. It remains unclear if its effects are due to an improvement of the insulin signaling cascade, especially in obese subjects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of GbE on insulin tolerance, food intake, body adiposity, lipid profile, fasting insulin, and muscle levels of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP-1B), and protein kinase B (Akt), as well as Akt phosphorylation, in diet-induced obese rats. Rats were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) or a normal fat diet (NFD) for 8 weeks. After that, the HFD group was divided into two groups: rats gavaged with a saline vehicle (HFD+V), and rats gavaged with 500 mg/kg of GbE diluted in the saline vehicle (HFD+Gb). NFD rats were gavaged with the saline vehicle only. At the end of the treatment, the rats were anesthetized, insulin was injected into the portal vein, and after 90s, the gastrocnemius muscle was removed. The quantification of IRS-1, Akt, and Akt phosphorylation was performed using Western blotting. Serum levels of fasting insulin and glucose, triacylglycerols and total cholesterol, and LDL and HDL fractions were measured. An insulin tolerance test was also performed. Ingestion of a hyperlipidic diet promoted loss of insulin sensitivity and also resulted in a significant increase in body adiposity, plasma triacylglycerol, and glucose levels. In addition, GbE treatment significantly reduced food intake and body adiposity while it protected against hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in diet-induced obesity rats. It also enhanced insulin sensitivity in comparison to HFD+V rats, while it restored insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation, increased IRS-1, and reduced PTP-1B levels in gastrocnemius muscle. The present findings suggest that G. biloba might be efficient in preventing and treating obesity-induced insulin signaling impairment.

Beneficial effects of Ginkgo biloba extract on insulin signaling cascade, dyslipidemia, and body adiposity of diet-induced obese rats.

Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE) has been indicated as an efficient medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus type 2. It remains unclear if its effects are due to an improvement of the insulin signaling cascade, especially in obese subjects. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of GbE on insulin tolerance, food intake, body adiposity, lipid profile, fasting insulin, and muscle levels of insulin receptor substrate 1 (IRS-1), protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP-1B), and protein kinase B (Akt), as well as Akt phosphorylation, in diet-induced obese rats. Rats were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) or a normal fat diet (NFD) for 8 weeks. After that, the HFD group was divided into two groups: rats gavaged with a saline vehicle (HFD+V), and rats gavaged with 500 mg/kg of GbE diluted in the saline vehicle (HFD+Gb). NFD rats were gavaged with the saline vehicle only. At the end of the treatment, the rats were anesthetized, insulin was injected into the portal vein, and after 90s, the gastrocnemius muscle was removed. The quantification of IRS-1, Akt, and Akt phosphorylation was performed using Western blotting. Serum levels of fasting insulin and glucose, triacylglycerols and total cholesterol, and LDL and HDL fractions were measured. An insulin tolerance test was also performed. Ingestion of a hyperlipidic diet promoted loss of insulin sensitivity and also resulted in a significant increase in body adiposity, plasma triacylglycerol, and glucose levels. In addition, GbE treatment significantly reduced food intake and body adiposity while it protected against hyperglycemia and dyslipidemia in diet-induced obesity rats. It also enhanced insulin sensitivity in comparison to HFD+V rats, while it restored insulin-induced Akt phosphorylation, increased IRS-1, and reduced PTP-1B levels in gastrocnemius muscle. The present findings suggest that G. biloba might be efficient in preventing and treating obesity-induced insulin signaling impairment.

Co-expression of protein tyrosine kinases EGFR-2 and PDGFRß with protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B in Pichia pastoris.

The regulation of protein tyrosine phosphorylation is mediated by protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) and is essential for cellular homeostasis. Coexpression of PTKs with PTPs in Pichia pastoris was used to facilitate the expression of active PTKs by neutralizing their apparent toxicity to cells. In this study, the gene encoding phosphatase PTP1B with or without a blue fluorescent protein or peroxisomal targeting signal 1 was cloned into the expression vector pAG32 to produce four vectors. These vectors were subsequently transformed into P. pastoris GS115. The tyrosine kinases EGFR-2 and PDGFRß were expressed from vector pPIC3.5K and were fused with a His-tag and green fluorescent protein at the N-terminus. The two plasmids were transformed into P. pastoris with or without PTP1B, resulting in 10 strains. The EGFR-2 and PDGFRß fusion proteins were purified by Ni(2+) affinity chromatography. In the recombinant P. pastoris, the PTKs co-expressed with PTP1B exhibited higher kinase catalytic activity than did those expressing the PTKs alone. The highest activities were achieved by targeting the PTKs and PTP1B into peroxisomes. Therefore, the EGFR-2 and PDGFRß fusion proteins expressed in P. pastoris may be attractive drug screening targets for anticancer therapeutics.

Disruption of the selenocysteine lyase-mediated selenium recycling pathway leads to metabolic syndrome in mice.

Selenium (Se) is an essential trace element used for biosynthesis of selenoproteins and is acquired either through diet or cellular recycling mechanisms. Selenocysteine lyase (Scly) is the enzyme that supplies Se for selenoprotein biosynthesis via decomposition of the amino acid selenocysteine (Sec). Knockout (KO) of Scly in a mouse affected hepatic glucose and lipid homeostasis. Mice lacking Scly and raised on an Se-adequate diet exhibit hyperinsulinemia, hyperleptinemia, glucose intolerance, and hepatic steatosis, with increased hepatic oxidative stress, but maintain selenoprotein levels and circulating Se status. Insulin challenge of Scly KO mice results in attenuated Akt phosphorylation but does not decrease phosphorylation levels of AMP kinase alpha (AMPKα). Upon dietary Se restriction, Scly KO animals develop several characteristics of metabolic syndrome, such as obesity, fatty liver, and hypercholesterolemia, with aggravated hyperleptinemia, hyperinsulinemia, and glucose intolerance. Hepatic glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1) and selenoprotein S (SelS) production and circulating selenoprotein P (Sepp1) levels are significantly diminished. Scly disruption increases the levels of insulin-signaling inhibitor PTP1B. Our results suggest a dependence of glucose and lipid homeostasis on Scly activity. These findings connect Se and energy metabolism and demonstrate for the first time a unique physiological role of Scly in an animal model.

Regulation of signaling at regions of cell-cell contact by endoplasmic reticulum-bound protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B.

Protein-tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) is a ubiquitously expressed PTP that is anchored to the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). PTP1B dephosphorylates activated receptor tyrosine kinases after endocytosis, as they transit past the ER. However, PTP1B also can access some plasma membrane (PM)-bound substrates at points of cell-cell contact. To explore how PTP1B interacts with such substrates, we utilized quantitative cellular imaging approaches and mathematical modeling of protein mobility. We find that the ER network comes in close proximity to the PM at apparently specialized regions of cell-cell contact, enabling PTP1B to engage substrate(s) at these sites. Studies using PTP1B mutants show that the ER anchor plays an important role in restricting its interactions with PM substrates mainly to regions of cell-cell contact. In addition, treatment with PTP1B inhibitor leads to increased tyrosine phosphorylation of EphA2, a PTP1B substrate, specifically at regions of cell-cell contact. Collectively, our results identify PM-proximal sub-regions of the ER as important sites of cellular signaling regulation by PTP1B.

Sumoylated protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B localizes to the inner nuclear membrane and regulates the tyrosine phosphorylation of emerin.

Protein tyrosine phosphatase (PTP)1B is an abundant non-transmembrane enzyme that plays a major role in regulating insulin and leptin signaling. Recently, we reported that PTP1B is inhibited by sumoylation, and that sumoylated PTP1B accumulates in a perinuclear distribution, consistent with its known localization in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) and the contiguous outer nuclear membrane. Here, we report that, in addition to its localization at the ER, PTP1B also is found at the inner nuclear membrane, where it is heavily sumoylated. We also find that PTP1B interacts with emerin, an inner nuclear membrane protein that is known to be tyrosine phosphorylated, and that PTP1B expression levels are inversely correlated with tyrosine phosphorylation levels of emerin. PTP1B sumoylation greatly increases as cells approach mitosis, corresponding to the stage where tyrosine phosphorylation of emerin is maximal. In addition, expression of a non-sumoylatable mutant of PTP1B greatly reduced levels of emerin tyrosine phosphorylation. These results suggest that PTP1B regulates the tyrosine phosphorylation of a key inner nuclear membrane protein in a sumoylation- and cell-cycle-dependent manner.

PTPIP51, a positive modulator of the MAPK/Erk pathway, is upregulated in glioblastoma and interacts with 14-3-3ß and PTP1B in situ.

Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is the most common and most malignant primary brain tumour. Protein tyrosine phosphatase interacting protein 51 (PTPIP51) is an interaction partner of 14-3-3ß, which correlates with the grade of malignancy in gliomas. In this study PTPIP51 and its interacting partners 14-3-3ß, PTP1B, c-Src, Raf-1 as well as EGFR were investigated in human glioblastoma. Twenty glioblastoma samples were analyzed on transcriptional and translational level by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization and RT-PCR. To compare PTPIP51 expression in gliomas of different malignancies, quantitative RT-PCR for grade II astrocytoma and GBM samples was employed. Additionally, we analyzed the correlation between PTPIP51 and 14-3-3ß transcription, and checked for in situ interaction between PTPIP51 and 14-3-3ß and PTP1B, respectively. PTPIP51 and 14-3-3ß mRNA showed a tumour grade dependent upregulation in gliomas. Glioblastoma cells displayed a strong immunoreaction of PTPIP51, which co-localized with 14-3-3ß and PTP1B. The duolink proximity ligation assay corroborated a direct in situ interaction of PTPIP51 with both proteins, known to interact with PTPIP51 in vitro. The in vitro interacting partners Raf-1 and c-Src showed a partial co-localization. Besides, immune cells located in capillaries or infiltrating the tumour tissue and endothelial cells of pseudoglomerular vessels revealed a high PTPIP51 expression. The upregulation of PTPIP51 and its connection with the EGFR/MAPK pathway by 14-3-3ß via Raf-1 and by PTP1B via c-Src, argue for a functional role of PTPIP51 in the pathogenesis of human glioblastoma.