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Updated: Feb 15, 2026

De Novo Generation of Somatic Stem Cells by YAP/TAZ
Published on: May 7, 2018
DNA binding partners of YAP/TAZ
Min-Kyu Kim1, Ju-Won Jang1, Suk-Chul Bae1
1Department of Biochemistry, College of Medicine, and Institute for Tumor Research, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Korea.
Abstract:
Hippo signaling plays critical roles in regulation of tissue homeostasis, organ size, and tumorigenesis by inhibiting YES-associated protein (YAP) and PDZ-binding protein TAZ through MST1/2 and LATS1/2 pathway. It is also engaged in cross-talk with various other signaling pathways, including WNT, BMPs, Notch, GPCRs, and Hedgehog to further modulate activities of YAP/TAZ. Because YAP and TAZ are transcriptional coactivators that lack DNA-binding activity, both proteins must interact with DNA-binding transcription factors to regulate target gene's expression. To activate target genes involved in cell proliferation, TEAD family members are major DNA-binding partners of YAP/TAZ. Accordingly, YAP/TAZ were originally classified as oncogenes. However, YAP might also play tumor-suppressing role. For example, YAP can bind to DNA-binding tumor suppressors including RUNXs and p73. Thus, YAP might act either as an oncogene or tumor suppressor depending on its binding partners. Here, we summarize roles of YAP depending on its DNA-binding partners and discuss context-dependent functions of YAP/TAZ. [BMB Reports 2018; 51(3): 126-133].
Insights
The Hippo pathway regulates organ size and cancer by controlling YAP/TAZ proteins. YAP
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Molecular Biology
- Cancer Research
Background:
- The Hippo signaling pathway is crucial for maintaining tissue homeostasis and organ size.
- It regulates the activity of transcriptional coactivators YES-associated protein (YAP) and PDZ-binding protein TAZ.
- Hippo signaling interacts with other pathways like WNT, BMPs, Notch, GPCRs, and Hedgehog.
Purpose of the Study:
- To summarize the roles of YAP based on its DNA-binding partners.
- To discuss the context-dependent functions of YAP and TAZ.
- To explore YAP's dual role as an oncogene or tumor suppressor.
Main Methods:
- Review of existing literature on Hippo signaling and YAP/TAZ.
- Analysis of YAP's interactions with various DNA-binding proteins.
- Discussion of experimental evidence supporting YAP's context-dependent functions.
Main Results:
- YAP and TAZ require DNA-binding partners to regulate gene expression.
- TEAD family members are key YAP/TAZ partners, often promoting proliferation (oncogenic role).
- YAP can also bind tumor suppressors like RUNXs and p73, suggesting a tumor-suppressive role.
Conclusions:
- YAP's function as an oncogene or tumor suppressor is determined by its binding partners.
- The context-dependent activity of YAP/TAZ is critical for understanding their roles in health and disease.
- Further research into YAP's interactions can reveal new therapeutic strategies for cancer.
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