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Updated: Mar 8, 2026

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Published on: September 16, 2020
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.
Abstract:
Snail and Slug are zinc-finger transcription factors that play key roles in directing the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) programs associated with normal development as well as disease progression. More recent work suggests that these EMT-associated transcription factors also modulate the function of both embryonic and adult stem cells. Interestingly, YAP and TAZ, the co-transcriptional effectors of the Hippo pathway, likewise play an important role in stem cell self-renewal and lineage commitment. While direct intersections between the Snail/Slug and Hippo pathways have not been described previously, we recently described an unexpected cooperative interaction between Snail/Slug and YAP/TAZ that controls the self-renewal and differentiation properties of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), a cell population critical to bone development. Additional studies revealed that both Snail and Slug are able to form binary complexes with either YAP or TAZ that, together, control YAP/TAZ transcriptional activity and function throughout mouse development. Given the more recent observations that MSC-like cell populations are found in association throughout the vasculature where they participate in tissue regeneration, fibrosis and cancer, the Snail/Slug-YAP/TAZ axis is well-positioned to regulate global stem cell function in health and disease.
Insights
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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