Background: Multiple signaling pathways are disrupted in ovarian cancer, but the role of protein phosphatases is not appreciated. Results: PTP1B antagonizes signaling by IGF-1R and BRK/PTK6 in ovarian cancer cells. Conclusion: Decreased expression of PTP1B in ovarian cancer cells promotes migration, invasion, proliferation, and survival. Significance: PTP1B, which dephosphorylates the insulin receptor and is an important therapeutic target in diabetes, may antagonize IGF-1-induced signaling in specific contexts.