Cell proliferation, cell differentiation and death are controlled by signaling pathways that are mediated by protein tyrosyl phosphorylation. The net cellular level of protein tyrosyl phosphorylation is regulated by the intrinsic and opposing activities of protein tyrosine kinases and protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Dysregulation of the net level of tyrosyl phosphorylation causes cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease and developmental abnormalities.

We focus our studies on how PTPs regulate cell signaling by controlling protein tyrosyl dephosphorylation. We are also exploring how PTPs participate in the pathogenesis of diseases such as obesity and diabetes, cardiovascular disease and developmental abnormalities. These research efforts are being accomplished by using integrated approaches that encompass cell biology, genetics, protein biochemistry, cell imaging and animal models. Our long-term research goals are to uncover the function of PTPs in order to identify whether these enzymes might serve as novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of human diseases.