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TAZ responds to fluid shear stress to regulate the cell cycle
Hyun Jung Lee1,2, Adesuwa Ewere1,2, Miguel F Diaz1,2
1a Children's Regenerative Medicine Program , Department of Pediatric Surgery , University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston , TX , USA.
Shear stress from lymphatic flow activates the TAZ protein in prostate cancer cells. This activation promotes cell proliferation and DNA synthesis, influencing cancer cell behavior in lymphatics.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Biophysics
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Physical forces, including shear stress from lymphatic flow, impact cancer cell invasiveness and metastasis.
- Previous research indicated fluid shear stress activates YAP1/TAZ in prostate cancer cells, promoting motility via YAP1.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the role of TAZ (Tazo) in prostate cancer cell proliferation under shear stress.
- To elucidate the downstream signaling pathways regulated by TAZ activation in response to biophysical cues.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of TAZ protein levels and localization in prostate cancer cells subjected to shear stress.
- Assessment of gene transcription (AMOTL2, ANKRD1, CTGF) and DNA synthesis.
- Manipulation of TAZ activity through ectopic expression and gene silencing.
Main Results:
- Shear stress increases TAZ protein levels and nuclear localization.
- Activated TAZ drives DNA synthesis and upregulates specific target genes (AMOTL2, ANKRD1, CTGF) independently of YAP1.
- Ectopic TAZ expression enhances proliferation, while TAZ silencing reduces it.
Conclusions:
- Force-induced TAZ activation is a key regulator of signaling pathways controlling cell division in prostate cancer.
- TAZ plays a significant role in governing cancer cell proliferation within the lymphatic system in response to mechanical forces.
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