Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 19, 2025

All-optical Mechanobiology Interrogation of Yes-associated Protein in Human Cancer and Normal Cells using a Multi-functional System
09:55

All-optical Mechanobiology Interrogation of Yes-associated Protein in Human Cancer and Normal Cells using a Multi-functional System

Published on: December 20, 2021

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YAP/TAZ: Molecular pathway and disease therapy

Yuzi Wei1, Victoria Lee Zhi Hui1, Yilin Chen1,2

  • 1State Key Laboratory of Oral Diseases & National Clinical Research Center for Oral Diseases, West China Hospital of Stomatology Sichuan University Chengdu Sichuan China.

Medcomm
|August 14, 2023
PubMed

Insights

The Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are key regulators in cellular processes and disease. Understanding YAP/TAZ signaling offers potential therapeutic targets for metabolic diseases and cancer.

Area of Science:

  • Molecular Biology
  • Cell Signaling
  • Disease Pathogenesis

Background:

  • The Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are homologous transcriptional coactivators central to Hippo, Wnt, GPCR, estrogen, mechanical, and metabolism signaling pathways.
  • YAP/TAZ regulates gene expression, enzyme activity, cell proliferation, inflammation, and fibroblast transdifferentiation, impacting cellular functions and homeostasis.
  • Dysregulation of YAP/TAZ is implicated in metabolism-related diseases, atherosclerosis, fibrosis, cancer progression, and organ regeneration.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To elucidate the signaling pathways regulating YAP/TAZ.
  • To explore YAP/TAZ-induced disease mechanisms and potential therapeutic interventions.
  • To review current clinical studies targeting YAP/TAZ and identify future research directions.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on YAP/TAZ signaling pathways.
  • Analysis of YAP/TAZ's role in disease pathogenesis.
  • Summary of clinical studies and therapeutic strategies targeting YAP/TAZ.

Main Results:

  • YAP/TAZ integrates multiple signaling inputs to control cellular functions and disease states.
  • Epigenetic regulation and posttranslational modifications are key mechanisms controlling YAP/TAZ activity.
  • YAP/TAZ plays a critical role in the balance between cancer progression and organ regeneration.

Conclusions:

  • YAP/TAZ signaling is a crucial target for understanding and treating various diseases.
  • Further research into YAP/TAZ mechanisms and clinical applications is warranted.
  • Identifying novel therapeutic targets within YAP/TAZ pathways can offer innovative solutions for challenging diseases.
Keywords:
YAP/TAZatherosclerosiscancerfibrosismetabolismregeneration

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