Role of Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway in organ fibrosis

Organ fibrosis is closely associated with inflammation, tissue injury, and abnormal repair processes, characterized primarily by the activation of myofibroblasts and excessive extracellular matrix deposition. While the clinical manifestations and pathogenesis of fibrosis vary across organs, the progression of fibrosis can disrupt normal organ function, leading to disability or even death. The Hippo signaling pathway, an evolutionarily conserved kinase cascade, plays a pivotal role in regulating cell proliferation, apoptosis, differentiation, and tissue regeneration. Its primary effectors, yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), are critically implicated in fibrosis of organs such as the kidney, liver, lung, heart, and skin. Currently, effective and specific treatments for organ fibrosis are lacking. A comprehensive understanding of the relationship between Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling and organ fibrosis may provide novel perspectives for the clinical management of these conditions.