An overview of signaling pathways regulating YAP/TAZ activity

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Biochemistry
• Regenerative Medicine

Background:

• YAP (Yes-associated protein) and TAZ (Transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif) are homologous proteins.
• They are key effectors of the Hippo signaling pathway, crucial for maintaining mammalian tissue and organ size.
• YAP/TAZ also participate in non-Hippo pathways, influencing cell proliferation, regeneration, lineage determination, tumorigenesis, and mechanosensing.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review microenvironmental cues and signaling pathways regulating YAP/TAZ activation via Hippo and non-Hippo pathways.
• To summarize YAP/TAZ interactions with TEAD transcription factors and other non-TEAD factors.
• To provide a perspective on therapeutic applications of YAP/TAZ signaling knowledge.

Main Methods:

• Literature review of YAP/TAZ signaling pathways.
• Analysis of YAP/TAZ interactions with transcription factors.
• Critical perspective on therapeutic potential.

Main Results:

• YAP/TAZ activation is modulated by diverse microenvironmental cues and signaling networks.
• YAP/TAZ interact with TEAD1-4 and numerous other transcription factors.
• Knowledge of YAP/TAZ regulation is expanding.

Conclusions:

• Understanding YAP/TAZ regulation is crucial for various biological processes.
• Further insights into YAP/TAZ signaling can drive innovation in biomaterials and tissue engineering.
• Therapeutic strategies targeting YAP/TAZ hold promise for regenerative medicine and synthetic biology.