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YAP manipulates proliferation via PTEN/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagy in lung adenocarcinomas

Wei Xu1, Mingjiong Zhang1, Yue Li1,2

  • 1Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Department of Geriatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China.

Cancer Cell International
|January 8, 2021
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

The transcriptional coactivator YAP promotes lung adenocarcinoma proliferation by regulating autophagy through the PTEN/AKT/mTOR pathway. YAP overexpression correlates with reduced survival in lung adenocarcinoma patients.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Biology

Background:

  • Autophagy plays a complex role in tumor development.
  • The Hippo pathway's YAP protein is implicated in autophagy.
  • Lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD) present a significant clinical challenge.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the role of YAP in regulating LUAD cell proliferation via autophagy.
  • To elucidate the molecular mechanisms linking YAP, autophagy, and LUAD progression.

Main Methods:

  • Analysis of LUAD patient data (GSE43458).
  • Assessment of YAP expression using RT-qPCR and Western blot.
  • Evaluation of YAP's effect on LUAD cell proliferation and autophagy in vitro and in vivo using CCK-8 assays, xenograft models, and GFP-mRFP-LC3 fusion proteins.

Main Results:

  • YAP is overexpressed in LUAD and linked to poorer 5-year survival.
  • YAP influences proliferation and autophagy in LUAD cell lines (A549, H1299).
  • YAP activates Akt/mTOR signaling by suppressing PTEN in a Hippo-dependent manner, promoting proliferation.

Conclusions:

  • YAP, a key Hippo pathway coactivator, drives lung adenocarcinoma proliferation.
  • This proliferation is modulated by PTEN/AKT/mTOR-mediated autophagic signaling.
Keywords:
AutophagyLUADsPTEN/AKT/mTORYAP

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