PTPLAD2 is a tumor suppressor in esophageal squamous cell carcinogenesis

Esophageal squamous cell carcinomas (ESCCs) are highly invasive and have poor prognoses. We investigated the role of PTPLAD2, a protein tyrosine phosphatase-like A domain (PTPLAD) family member, in ESCC carcinogenesis. Survival analysis was performed using patient data. ESCC tissue samples lost PTPLAD2 heterozygosity and had decreased PTPLAD2 expression. Low PTPLAD2 expression and high p-STAT3 correlated with poor prognosis. Overexpression of PTPLAD2 in ESCC cells reduced STAT3 phosphorylation, decreased FoxM1, inhibited proliferation and decreased in mouse xenograft tumor formation. Therefore, PTPLAD2 is a potential tumor suppressor and prognostic indicator that reduces STAT3 phosphorylation. PTPLAD2 is a possible clinical target for ESCC treatment.