YAP/TAZ Signalling Controls Epidermal Keratinocyte Fate

Area of Science:

• Cell Biology
• Dermatology
• Molecular Biology

Background:

• Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are paralogues crucial for cell proliferation and fate.
• These proteins are vital in skin epidermis for homeostasis, regeneration, and disease, including carcinogenesis.
• While often linked to the Hippo pathway, YAP and TAZ integrate diverse signals from the microenvironment.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the activation mechanisms of YAP and TAZ in epidermal keratinocytes.
• To elucidate how YAP/TAZ signaling interacts with other pathways at various cellular levels.
• To understand the ultimate control of YAP/TAZ on transcriptional programs and epidermal cell fate.

Main Methods:

• Literature review and synthesis of existing research.
• Analysis of signaling pathways involving YAP/TAZ.
• Examination of transcriptional regulation in epidermal cells.

Main Results:

• YAP and TAZ are activated through multiple mechanisms in keratinocytes.
• They act as central integrators of signals from growth factors, cytokines, and the extracellular matrix.
• YAP/TAZ signaling influences epidermal cell fate by controlling gene transcription.

Conclusions:

• YAP and TAZ are pivotal signaling integrators in the epidermis.
• Their interplay with various signaling cascades dictates epidermal cell behavior.
• Understanding YAP/TAZ function is critical for comprehending skin development, repair, and disease.