- SHP-2 is primarily a cytoplasmic protein but exhibits dynamic subcellular localization depending on signaling events.
- It contains two SH2 domains that allow it to transiently associate with membrane-bound receptors, adaptor proteins, and signaling complexes upon stimulation. Typically, SHP-2 shuttles between the cytoplasm and the plasma membrane in response to growth factors and cytokines.
- When activated, SHP-2 localizes to the cell membrane by binding to phosphotyrosine residues on receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs) or scaffolding proteins. This membrane recruitment is crucial for its role in regulating signaling pathways such as RAS/ERK and PI3K/AKT.
- In addition to membrane localization, SHP-2 has also been detected in the nucleus under certain conditions, suggesting potential roles in nuclear signaling or gene regulation.
