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Updated: Jun 14, 2025

Identification of Transcription Factor Regulators using Medium-Throughput Screening of Arrayed Libraries and a Dual-Luciferase-Based Reporter
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YAP, TAZ, and Hippo-Dysregulating Fusion Proteins in Cancer
Jordan H Driskill1,2, Josephine K Dermawan3,4, Cristina R Antonescu3
1Department of Physiology, Howard Hughes Medical Institute, University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Texas, USA.
Gene fusions involving YAP1 or WWTR1 drive cancers and are therapeutic targets. This review explores these oncoproteins, their mechanisms, and vulnerabilities, offering a framework to predict oncogenic potential.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Molecular Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Gene fusions are key drivers of cancer and targets for therapy.
- YAP1 (YAP) and WWTR1 (TAZ) are transcriptional coactivators and Hippo pathway effectors.
- Hippo pathway dysregulation is implicated in various cancers.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review tumors associated with YAP/TAZ or Hippo pathway gene fusions.
- To elucidate the oncogenic mechanisms of these fusion proteins.
- To identify potential therapeutic vulnerabilities of these chimeric oncoproteins.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of YAP1, WWTR1, and Hippo pathway gene fusions in human tumors.
- Analysis of oncogenic mechanisms driven by these fusion proteins.
- Development of a predictive framework for oncogenic potential of novel fusions.
Main Results:
- Identified recurrent gene fusions involving YAP1 and WWTR1 in diverse human tumors.
- Detailed mechanisms by which these fusions drive tumorigenesis.
- Highlighted conserved and unique vulnerabilities of YAP/TAZ fusion proteins.
Conclusions:
- YAP/TAZ- and Hippo-dysregulating gene fusions represent a significant class of oncogenic drivers.
- Understanding these fusions offers therapeutic opportunities across multiple cancer types.
- A predictive framework aids in identifying novel oncogenic fusion proteins.
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