Targeting the Hippo/YAP/TAZ signalling pathway: Novel opportunities for therapeutic interventions into skin cancers

Alexander Howard1, Jodie Bojko1, Benjamin Flynn1

  • 1Department of Life Sciences, University of Bath, Bath, UK.

Insights

The YAP/TAZ proteins are key drivers in skin cancer development and metastasis. Targeting these proteins shows promise for new skin cancer treatments.

Area of Science:

  • Oncology
  • Molecular Biology
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Skin cancers are the most common human cancers.
  • YAP and TAZ (WWTR1) proteins are transcriptional co-regulators implicated in cancer.
  • These proteins act as signaling hubs, integrating various cellular pathways.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the roles of YAP/TAZ in skin physiology and cancer.
  • To discuss therapeutic strategies targeting YAP/TAZ for skin cancer treatment.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review of YAP/TAZ functions in skin.
  • Analysis of preclinical and clinical studies on YAP/TAZ inhibitors.

Main Results:

  • YAP/TAZ proteins are crucial for skin tumor initiation, progression, and metastasis.
  • Targeting YAP/TAZ has shown potential in preclinical and clinical settings.

Conclusions:

  • YAP/TAZ are significant targets for developing novel skin cancer therapies.
  • Further research into YAP/TAZ-targeted interventions is warranted.

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