The YAP/SCAP/SREBP1 pathway in astrocytes: A novel target for treating neonatal hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy

Astrocytes play a significant role in the pathogenesis of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE), contributing to neuroexcitotoxicity and inflammatory responses. However, the specific pathways through which astrocytes influence neurons remain incompletely understood. In this study, we found that Yes-associated protein (YAP) was down-regulated and inactivated in hippocampal astrocytes in a hypoxic-ischemic brain damage (HIBD) rat model, as well as in astrocytes subjected to oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD). Overexpression of YAP in astrocytes reduced neuronal death and improved motor, learning and memory dysfunction deficits associated with HIE. Further investigation demonstrated that YAP exerts neuroprotective effects by modulating lipid metabolism through the SCAP/SREBP1 pathway. Ultimately, activating YAP signaling by XMU-MP-1, a Hippo kinase MST1/2 inhibitor, partially restored brain tissue integrity and function, as well as improved motor, learning and memory functions in HIBD rats. In conclusion, our study has identified a novel YAP/SCAP/SREBP1 pathway that plays neuroprotective roles in HIE.