PI3K/Akt/mTOR · target hub

PPP2CA

Serine/threonine-protein phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit alpha isoform (PPP2CA)

PPP2CA is a PIP₃ / Akt phosphatase or PP2A regulation on the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis. Catalytic subunit of protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A), a serine/threonine phosphatase involved in the regulation of a wide variety of enzymes, signal transduction pathways, and cellular events (PubMed:10801873, PubMed:12473674, PubMed:17245430, PubMed:22613722, PubMed:33243860, PubM… It is indexed under "Akt / mTOR-directed phosphatases & PP2A subunits (selected)" on our pathway page for antibodies, inhibitors, and assay guidance.

Back to pathway overviewSearch: PPP2CAUniProt (P67775)

Research notes

  • Combine with other genes in the same hub block via genetics or pharmacology to test non-redundant roles of PPP2CA.
  • Annotate PIK3CA/PTEN and upstream RTK–Ras context when reading p-AKT, mTORC1/2, or lipid outputs.
  • Verify antibody clone, phospho-site, and stimulation; include KD/KO or inhibitor controls.

On the pathway hub (sections)

Genetic lesions & expression context (quick reference)

Type / exampleDomain / context (brief)
Expression contextTissue/cell-type–dependent expression
Rare variantsSporadic variants—require functional validation
Pathway couplingCo-occurs with neighboring nodes on the hub

Naming and prevalence vary by cohort and assay—annotate clinically with COSMIC, ClinVar, OncoKB, and datasheets; research context only.

Assay readouts for PPP2CA

  • Lipid pools: PIP₃, PI(3,4)P₂, or substrates relevant to PPP2CA.
  • Loss-of-function: CRISPR/siRNA often elevates p-AKT and growth readouts (context-dependent).
  • Tumor specimens: matched tumor/adjacent with mutation/expression annotation.
  • Inhibitor controls: PI3K/mTOR inhibitors to test phenotypic reversibility.

PPP2CA experimental notes

Examples below reflect common literature and public resources (e.g., CCLE, DepMap)—validate genotypes, expression, and passage in your own stocks before committing assays.

[1] Cell lines commonly used for PPP2CA studies (examples)

  • Tool lines: MCF-7, U87, PC-3, HEK293T, A549—screen by PPP2CA expression and pathway context (CCLE/DepMap).
  • Combine with neighbors (PHLPP1, PHLPP2, PPP2CB, PPP2R1A) via KD/pharmacology to test non-redundancy.
  • Overexpression/rescue in HEK293T supports mechanism and IP workflows.
  • Isogenic/CRISPR models separate pathway dependency from bypass survival.

[2] Cell samples for PPP2CA Western blot

  • Whole-cell lysates—optimize RIPA/NP-40 per antibody; phosphatase inhibitors for phospho blots.
  • Stimulation: serum starvation ± insulin/EGF or amino-acid withdrawal/refeed as relevant.
  • Controls: siRNA/shRNA, CRISPR KO, or inhibitors to validate band specificity.
  • Loading: BCA normalization; subcellular fractionation when needed.

[3] Tissue samples for PPP2CA Western blot

  • Matched tumor/adjacent frozen tissues after pathology review.
  • Mouse GEMM or xenografts—mind species antibody cross-reactivity.
  • Primary cells/PDCs when ethically approved.
  • FFPE needs specialized extraction; frozen tissue preferred for phospho work.

[4] Cell samples for PPP2CA immunoprecipitation

  • Tagged overexpression: HEK293T FLAG/HA-PPP2CA for complex capture.
  • Endogenous IP: high-expression lines; often ≥1–5×10⁶ cells per IP.
  • Stimulation: ligand or nutrient treatments enrich interactions—pilot time courses.
  • Controls: isotype IgG, empty vector, KD/KO negatives.

Human tissues and primary cells require ethics/IRB approval; tumors are heterogeneous—record histotype, site, and preservation conditions.

Bypass & related pathways

Models & genetics note

Overexpression vs endogenous PPP2CA can differ in dosage, splicing, and compartmentation—in organoids/PDX, record passage, matrix, and drug history.

Quick search presets

PPP2CAPPP2CA antibodyPI3K inhibitormTOR inhibitor

PPP2CA-related antibodies (keyword-biased)

Adds PPP2CA keyword bias atop the PI3K/Akt/mTOR antibody pool—if sparse, use presets above or global search.

Neighboring targets (same hub)

PHLPP1PHLPP2PPP2CBPPP2R1APPP2R1BPPP2R2APPP2R2BPPP2R2C

External databases & resources

FAQ

This content supports research reagents and pathway education—not medical advice. Annotate mutations, drug indications, and protocols with authoritative databases, datasheets, and institutional oversight.

Last reviewed: 2026-05-18

Related on this site

See the PI3K/Akt/mTOR hub for neighboring nodes and assay guidance—cross-check MAPK, RTK, metabolism, and autophagy pages as needed.

PI3K/Akt/mTOR·MAPK/ERK·Receptor tyrosine kinase·Metabolism