This gene encodes the phosphatase 2A catalytic subunit. Protein phosphatase 2A is one of the four major Ser/Thr phosphatases, and it is implicated in the negative control of cell growth and division. It consists of a common heteromeric core enzyme, which is composed of a catalytic subunit and a constant regulatory subunit, that associates with a variety of regulatory subunits. This gene encodes an alpha isoform of the catalytic subunit. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008], catalytic activity:A phosphoprotein + H (2) O = a protein + phosphate., cofactor:Binds 1 iron ion per subunit., cofactor:Binds 1 manganese ion per subunit., function:PP2A can modulate the activity of phosphorylase B kinase casein kinase 2, mitogen-stimulated S6 kinase, and MAP-2 kinase. Can dephosphorylate SV40 large T antigen and p53. Dephosphorylates SV40 large T antigen, preferentially on serine residues 120, 123, 677, and perhaps 679. The C subunit was most active, followed by the AC form, which was more active than the ABC form, and activity of all three forms was strongly stimulated by manganese, and to a lesser extent by magnesium. Dephosphorylation by the AC form, but not C or ABC form is inhibited by small T antigen., PTM:Phosphorylation of either threonine (by autophosphorylation-activated protein kinase) or tyrosine results in inactivation of the phosphatase. Auto-dephosphorylation has been suggested as a mechanism for reactivation., PTM:Reversibly methyl esterified on Leu-309. Carboxyl methylation may play a role in holoenzyme assembly. It varies during the cell cycle., similarity:Belongs to the PPP phosphatase family., similarity:Belongs to the PPP phosphatase family. PP-1 subfamily., subcellular location:In prometaphase cells, but not in anaphase cells, localizes at centromeres. During mitosis, also found at spindle poles., subunit:PP2A consists of a common heterodimeric core enzyme, composed of a 36 kDa catalytic subunit (subunit C) and a 65 kDa constant regulatory subunit (PR65 or subunit A), that associates with a variety of regulatory subunits. Proteins that associate with the core dimer include three families of regulatory subunits B (the R2/B/PR55/B55, R3/B''/PR72/PR130/PR59 and R5/B'/B56 families), the 48 kDa variable regulatory subunit, viral proteins, and cell signaling molecules. Interacts with NXN; the interaction is direct (By similarity) . May indirectly interact with SGOL1, most probably through regulatory B56 subunits.