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Published on: February 20, 2019
Yes-Associated Protein in Atherosclerosis and Related Complications: A Potential Therapeutic Target That Requires
Congrui Sun1, Bin He1, Mingsheng Sun1
1Peking University China-Japan Friendship School of Clinical Medicine, Beijing, China.
Insights
The Yes-associated protein (YAP) is crucial in atherosclerosis development and progression. YAP activation influences key processes in plaque formation and may impact complications like vascular calcification.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Science
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
Background:
- Atherosclerosis is a leading cause of global mortality, characterized by chronic inflammation and complex cellular processes.
- Dysfunctional lipid metabolism, endothelial cells, and oxidative stress are hallmarks of atherosclerotic disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review and synthesize current literature on the role of the Yes-associated protein (YAP) in atherosclerosis.
- To highlight YAP's involvement in the pathogenesis and potential complications of atherosclerotic disease.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of studies investigating YAP and its pathways in relation to atherosclerosis.
- Analysis of evidence linking YAP activation to cellular mechanisms in atherosclerotic lesion development.
Main Results:
- The Yes-associated protein (YAP), a key Hippo pathway effector, plays a significant role in atherosclerosis.
- YAP activation, triggered by factors like altered flow and matrix stiffness, regulates endothelial dysfunction, monocyte infiltration, and smooth muscle cell migration.
- YAP's potential modulation of vascular calcification and intraplaque hemorrhage warrants further investigation.
Conclusions:
- YAP is a critical regulator in the development and progression of atherosclerosis.
- Understanding YAP's multifaceted role offers potential therapeutic targets for cardiovascular disease.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate YAP's impact on atherosclerotic complications.
Abstract:
Atherosclerosis and its complications diseases remain leading causes of cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, bringing a massive burden on public health worldwide. Atherosclerosis is recognized as chronic inflammation, and involves several highly correlated processes, including lipid metabolism dysfunction, endothelial cell dysfunction, inflammation, oxidative stress, vascular smooth muscle cell activation, platelet activation, thrombosis, altered matrix metabolism, and vascular remodeling. Within the past few decades, accumulating evidence has shown that the Yes-associated protein (YAP), the major effector of the Hippo pathway, can play a crucial role in pathogenesis and development of atherosclerosis. Activation of YAP-related pathways, which are induced by alerting flow pattern and matrix stiffness among others, can regulate processes including vascular endothelial cell dysfunction, monocyte infiltration, and smooth muscle cell migration, which contribute to atherosclerotic lesion formation. Further, YAP potentially modulates atherosclerotic complications such as vascular calcification and intraplaque hemorrhage, which require further investigation. Here, we summarized the relevant literature to outline current findings detailing the relationship between of YAP and atherosclerosis and highlight areas for future research.
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