PTP-ER, a novel tyrosine phosphatase, functions downstream of Ras1 to downregulate MAP kinase during Drosophila eye development.

Activation of ERK/MAPK is a key event downstream of RAS. The duration, extent, and timing of MAPK activity is integral to signal specificity. Consequently, inactivation of MAPK by phosphatases has emerged as a critical element in the precise control of signal output. We have cloned and characterized a novel cytoplasmic protein tyrosine phosphatase, PTP-ER, which is related to mammalian PCPTP1, LC-PTP/HePTP, and STEP tyrosine phosphatases. PTP-ER mutants produce extra R7 cells and enhance activated Ras1 signaling. Ectopic expression of PTP-ER dramatically inhibits RAS1/MAPK signaling. PTP-ER binds to and inactivates Drosophila ERK/MAPK; however, it is unable to dephosphorylate and downregulate Drosophila MAPKSevenmaker. Resistance to PTP-ER activity partially accounts for the Sevenmaker mutant phenotype.