The functions of the ubiquitously expressed protein tyrosine phosphatase Shp-2 are dependent on its localization. Cytosolic Shp-2 is known to modulate different pathways involved in cell growth, cell development, tissue inflammation and cellular chemotaxis. But Shp-2 is also localized in the nucleus and the mitochondria. Nuclear Shp-2 forms a complex with the signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5) which then binds to DNA and regulates transcription of milk genes. In contrast, nuclear Shp-2 dephosphorylates STAT1 and thereby inhibits gene transcription. In addition, it counteracts the oxidative stress dependent nuclear export of Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase (TERT) mediated by members of the Src kinase family, a process leading to replicative senescence. For the recently found mitochondrial Shp-2 an involvement in the regulation of the cellular redox balance is discussed. Shp-2 shows the ability to regulate reactive oxygen species formation in the mitochondria. There are hints that mitochondrial Shp-2 and Src are involved in the regulation of respiratory chain activity. Since a substantial fraction of TERT has been found in the mitochondria, it is hypothesized that mitochondrial Shp-2 acts as a positive regulator of TERT in the mitochondria, similar to its nuclear role. Taken together, Shp-2 seems to be a new player in aging processes.
Keywords: Shp-2; Telomerase Reverse Transcriptase; mitochondria; nucleus.