Researchers uncover activation mechanism of a cell growth protein that can trigger cancer

(Saarland University) The uncontrolled growth and division of cells can lead to the creation of tumours. The signalling molecule SHP2 is believed to play a crucial role in this process. But the question of how SHP2 becomes activated has never been fully resolved. Understanding the activation mechanism is, however, of fundamental importance for the development of anti-cancer drugs. Massimiliano Anselmi and Jochen Hub have recently managed to solve the twenty-year-old puzzle of SHP2 activation.