Protein Tyrosine Phosphatases in Schizophrenia: A Review of Pathophysiology and Emerging Evidence

This article provides a comprehensive review of the molecular and neurodevelopmental mechanisms underlying schizophrenia, with a particular focus on the roles of protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPs). Schizophrenia is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a complex etiology involving genetic and environmental factors and characterized by diverse clinical symptoms. The review synthesizes recent advances in understanding how dysregulation of specific PTPs, including PTP1B, PTP receptor gamma (PTPRG), PTPN5 (encoding striatal-enriched PTP [STEP]), and PTP receptor type A (PTPRA), contributes to disrupted synaptic signaling, neurotransmitter dysfunction, and neurodevelopmental abnormalities observed in schizophrenia. Key findings include evidence that altered phosphorylation states, impaired myelination, and aberrant modulation of N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) and dopamine receptor function are central to disease pathophysiology. The review also examines the therapeutic potential of targeting PTP1B and other phosphatases, highlighting promising animal model data while emphasizing the need for additional clinical research. Collectively, the article underscores the importance of phosphatase signaling pathways in the pathogenesis and potential treatment of schizophrenia.