Receptor-type tyrosine-protein phosphatase-like N (PTPRN) belongs to the protein-tyrosine phosphatase family and receptor class 8 subfamily. PTPRN contains 1 tyrosine-protein phosphatase domain, is expressed in neuroendocrine cells only. PTPs are known to be signaling molecules that regulate a variety of cellular processes including cell growth, differentiation, mitotic cycle, and oncogenic transformation. It implicated in neuroendocrine secretory processes. It may be involved in processes specific for neurosecretory granules, such as their biogenesis, trafficking or regulated exocytosis or may have a general role in neuroendocrine functions. It seems to lack intrinsic enzyme activity, may play a role in the regulation of secretory granules via its interaction with SNTB2. This PTP was found to be an autoantigen that is reactive with insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) patient sera, and thus may be a potential target of autoimmunity in diabetes mellitus.
