Tyrosine phosphatases in vessel wall signaling.

Protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs) are critical regulators of cellular processes like migration, proliferation and differentiation that are involved in physiological and pathological vessel wall function. In this review, we summarize the biochemistry of this enzyme family, discuss the present knowledge concerning the identity and involvement of PTPs in vascular cells and in pathways of relevance to cardiovascular diseases. We also briefly introduce ongoing efforts to develop inhibitors of PTPs, and finally point to some opportunities for use of such agents in novel treatment strategies.