Multi-ligand interactions with receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase β: implications for intercellular signaling

Receptor-like protein tyrosine phosphatase beta (RPTP beta) shows structural and functional similarity to cell adhesion molecules (CAMs). It binds to several neuronal CAMs and extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins that combine to form cell-recognition complexes. Here, the authors discuss the implications of such complexes for intercellular signaling, and the regulation of RPTP activity by cell-cell and cell-ECM contact.