Phosphatase Subfamily PPP3C

Phosphatase Classification: Fold MTDP: Superfamily MTDP: Family PPP: Subfamily PPP3C

PPP3C, the catalytic subunit of PP2B (calcineurin) holoeynzme, is a calcium-dependent serine/threonine phosphatase conserved in eukaryotes. It is involved in various biological processes and has significantly clinic relevance.

Evolution

PPP3C is found throughout eukaryotes, including opisthokonta, amoebazoa, plants and etc.

Domain

PPP3C has a single domain - phosphatase domain.

Functions

PPP3C is the catalytic subunit of Protein Phosphatase 2B (PP2B) holoenzyme (aka calcineurin). The holoenzyme is heterodimer complex consisting of one catalytic subunit and one regulatory subunit participates in very various cellular processes, from cell cycle progression to cardiac hypertrophy [1].

PP2B (calcineurin) activates the T cells of the immune system in mammals. When an antigen-preseting cell interacts with a T cell receptor on T cells, the cytoplasmic level of calcium increases, which activates calcineurin.

PP2B (calcineurin) is included as a key player in mediating calcium-triggered and -accelerated vesicle endocytosis [2].

PP2B (Calcineurin) activates a vertebrate-specific transcription factor called NFATc.

This phosphatase has clinical significance for schizophrenia and diabetes (see wikipedia).

PP2B (calcineurin) is used as a target for several immunosuppressive drugs, e.g. tacrolimus which is an immunosuppressive drug used mainly after allogeneic organ transplant to reduce the activity of the patient's immune system and so lower the risk of organ rejection.

PPP3C (PP2B, calcineurin) modulates potassium channel, perhaps by directly controlling the phosphorylation state of potassium channel in collaboration with PKA [3, 4].

Besides, PPP3C (PP2B, calcineurin) is an attractive antifungal drug target, and its inhibitor (FK506 or cyclosporin A) can be combined with azoles or echinocandins for use against multidrug-resistant Candida species [5].

References

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