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Snail/Slug-YAP/TAZ complexes cooperatively regulate mesenchymal stem cell function and bone formation
Yi Tang1,2, Stephen J Weiss1,2
1a Division of Molecular Medicine and Genetics, Department of Internal Medicine , University of Michigan , Ann Arbor , MI , USA.
Cell Cycle (Georgetown, Tex.)
|January 24, 2017
Summary
Snail/Slug and YAP/TAZ transcription factors cooperate to control stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. This interaction is crucial for bone development and may regulate stem cells in tissue regeneration, fibrosis, and cancer.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Developmental Biology
- Stem Cell Biology
Background:
- Snail and Slug are transcription factors regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).
- YAP and TAZ are Hippo pathway co-transcriptors controlling stem cell self-renewal and lineage commitment.
- Previous research had not described direct links between Snail/Slug and Hippo pathways.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the interaction between Snail/Slug and YAP/TAZ.
- To understand the role of this interaction in mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) function.
- To explore the implications for development, regeneration, and disease.
Main Methods:
- Investigated cooperative interactions between Snail/Slug and YAP/TAZ.
- Studied the control of MSC self-renewal and differentiation.
- Analyzed the formation of binary complexes between these factors.
Main Results:
- An unexpected cooperative interaction between Snail/Slug and YAP/TAZ was identified.
- This axis controls self-renewal and differentiation of bone marrow-derived MSCs.
- Snail and Slug form binary complexes with YAP or TAZ, regulating their activity during mouse development.
Conclusions:
- The Snail/Slug-YAP/TAZ axis is critical for regulating stem cell properties in bone development.
- This pathway is poised to influence stem cell function in vascular-associated MSCs involved in regeneration, fibrosis, and cancer.
- Understanding this axis offers insights into stem cell regulation in health and disease.
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