YAP Drives Growth by Controlling Transcriptional Pause Release from Dynamic Enhancers

A ZO-2 scaffolding mechanism regulates the Hippo signalling pathway

Contact inhibition of proliferation is a critical cell density control mechanism governed by the Hippo signalling pathway. The biochemical signalling underlying cell density-dependent cues regulating Hippo signalling and its downstream effectors, YAP, remains poorly understood. Here, we reveal that the tight junction protein ZO-2 is required for the contact-mediated inhibition of proliferation. We additionally determined that the well-established molecular players of this process, namely Hippo kinase LATS1 and YAP, are regulated by ZO-2 and that the scaffolding function of ZO-2 promotes the interaction with and phosphorylation of YAP by LATS1. Mechanistically, YAP is phosphorylated when ZO-2 brings LATS1 and YAP together via its SH3 and PDZ domains, respectively, subsequently leading to the cytoplasmic retention and inactivation of YAP. In conclusion, we demonstrate that ZO-2 maintains Hippo signalling pathway activation by promoting the stability of LATS1 to inactivate YAP.

Induction of the TEAD Co-activator VGLL1 by Estrogen Receptor-Targeted Therapy Drives Resistance in Breast Cancer

Resistance to endocrine therapies (ET) is common in estrogen receptor (ER) positive breast cancer, and most relapsed patients die with ET-resistant disease. While genetic mutations provide explanations for some relapses, mechanisms of resistance remain undefined in many cases. Drug-induced epigenetic reprogramming has been shown to provide possible routes to resistance. By analyzing histone H3 lysine 27 acetylation (H3K27ac) profiles and transcriptional reprogramming in models of ET resistance, we discovered that selective ER degraders (SERDs), such as fulvestrant, promote expression of VGLL1, a co-activator for TEAD transcription factors. VGLL1, acting via TEADs, promoted expression of genes that drive growth of fulvestrant-resistant breast cancer cells. Pharmacological disruption of VGLL1/TEAD4 interaction inhibited VGLL1/TEAD-induced transcriptional programs to prevent growth of resistant cells. EGFR was among the VGLL1/TEAD-regulated genes, and VGLL1-directed EGFR upregulation sensitized fulvestrant-resistant breast cancer cells to EGFR inhibitors. Taken together, these findings identify VGLL1 as a transcriptional driver in ET resistance and advance therapeutic possibilities for relapsed ER+ breast cancer patients.

Enhancer reprogramming underlies therapeutic utility of a SMARCA2 degrader in SMARCA4 mutant cancer

Genomic studies have identified frequent mutations in subunits of the SWI/SNF (switch/sucrose non-fermenting) chromatin remodeling complex including SMARCA4 and ARID1A in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Genetic evidence indicates that the paralog SMARCA2 is synthetic lethal to SMARCA4 suggesting SMARCA2 is a valuable therapeutic target. However, the discovery of selective inhibitors of SMARCA2 has been challenging. Here, we utilized structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies to develop YD23, a potent and selective proteolysis targeting chimera (PROTAC) targeting SMARCA2. Mechanistically, we show that SMARCA2 degradation induces reprogramming of the enhancer landscape in SMARCA4-mutant cells with loss of chromatin accessibility at enhancers of genes involved in cell proliferation. Furthermore, we identified YAP/TEADas key partners to SMARCA2 in driving growth of SMARCA4-mutant cells. Finally, we show that YD23 has potent tumor growth inhibitory activity in SMARCA4-mutant xenografts. These findings provide the mechanistic basis for development of SMARCA2 degraders as synthetic lethal therapeutics against SMARCA4-mutant lung cancers.

Novel insights into the phenotypic spectrum and pathogenesis of Hardikar syndrome

PURPOSE

Hardikar syndrome (HS, MIM #301068) is a female-specific multiple congenital anomaly syndrome characterized by retinopathy, orofacial clefting, aortic coarctation, biliary dysgenesis, genitourinary malformations, and intestinal malrotation. We previously showed that heterozygous nonsense and frameshift variants in MED12 cause HS. The phenotypic spectrum of disease and the mechanism by which MED12 variants cause disease is unknown. We aim to expand the phenotypic and molecular landscape of HS and elucidate the mechanism by which MED12 variants cause disease.

METHODS

We clinically assembled and molecularly characterized a cohort of 11 previously unreported individuals with HS. Additionally, we studied the effect of MED12 deficiency on ciliary biology, hedgehog, and yes-associated protein (YAP) signaling; pathways implicated in diseases with phenotypic overlap with HS.

RESULTS

We report novel phenotypes associated with HS, including cardiomyopathy, arrhythmia, and vascular anomalies, and expand the molecular landscape of HS to include splice site variants. We additionally demonstrate that MED12 deficiency causes decreased cell ciliation, and impairs hedgehog and YAP signaling.

CONCLUSION

Our data support updating HS standard-of-care to include regular cardiac imaging, arrhythmia screening, and vascular imaging. We further propose that dysregulation of ciliogenesis and YAP and hedgehog signaling contributes to the pathogenesis of HS.

YAP charge patterning mediates signal integration through transcriptional co-condensates

Transcription factor dynamics are used to selectively engage gene regulatory programs. Biomolecular condensates have emerged as an attractive signaling substrate in this process, but the underlying mechanisms are not well-understood. Here, we probed the molecular basis of YAP signal integration through transcriptional condensates. Leveraging light-sheet single-molecule imaging and synthetic condensates, we demonstrate charge-mediated co-condensation of the transcriptional regulators YAP and Mediator into transcriptionally active condensates in stem cells. IDR sequence analysis and YAP protein engineering demonstrate that instead of the net charge, YAP signaling specificity is established through its negative charge patterning that interacts with Mediator's positive charge blocks. The mutual enhancement of YAP/Mediator co-condensation is counteracted by negative feedback from transcription, driving an adaptive transcriptional response that is well-suited for decoding dynamic inputs. Our work reveals a molecular framework for YAP condensate formation and sheds new light on the function of YAP condensates for emergent gene regulatory behavior.

Small Cell Lung Cancer-An Update on Chemotherapy Resistance

OPINION STATEMENT

Compared to other types of lung cancer, small cell lung cancer (SCLC) exhibits aggressive characteristics that promote drug resistance. Despite platinum-etoposide chemotherapy combined with immunotherapy being the current standard treatment, the rapid development of drug resistance has led to unsatisfactory clinical outcomes. This review focuses on the mechanisms contributing to the chemotherapy resistance phenotype in SCLC, such as increased intra-tumoral heterogeneity, alterations in the tumor microenvironment, changes in cellular metabolism, and dysregulation of apoptotic pathways. A comprehensive understanding of these drug resistance mechanisms in SCLC is imperative for ushering in a new era in cancer research, which will promise revolutionary advancements in cancer diagnosis and treatment methodologies.

Assembling a Hippo: the evolutionary emergence of an animal developmental signaling pathway

Decades of work in developmental genetics has given us a deep mechanistic understanding of the fundamental signaling pathways underlying animal development. However, little is known about how these pathways emerged and changed over evolutionary time. Here, we review our current understanding of the evolutionary emergence of the Hippo pathway, a conserved signaling pathway that regulates tissue size in animals. This pathway has deep evolutionary roots, emerging piece by piece in the unicellular ancestors of animals, with a complete core pathway predating the origin of animals. Recent functional studies in close unicellular relatives of animals and early-branching animals suggest an ancestral function of the Hippo pathway in cytoskeletal regulation, which was subsequently co-opted to regulate proliferation and animal tissue size.

Discovery of YAP1/TAZ pathway inhibitors through phenotypic screening with potent anti-tumor activity via blockade of Rho-GTPase signaling

This study describes the identification and target deconvolution of small molecule inhibitors of oncogenic Yes-associated protein (YAP1)/TAZ activity with potent anti-tumor activity in vivo. A high-throughput screen (HTS) of 3.8 million compounds was conducted using a cellular YAP1/TAZ reporter assay. Target deconvolution studies identified the geranylgeranyltransferase-I (GGTase-I) complex as the direct target of YAP1/TAZ pathway inhibitors. The small molecule inhibitors block the activation of Rho-GTPases, leading to subsequent inactivation of YAP1/TAZ and inhibition of cancer cell proliferation in vitro. Multi-parameter optimization resulted in BAY-593, an in vivo probe with favorable PK properties, which demonstrated anti-tumor activity and blockade of YAP1/TAZ signaling in vivo.

The Drosophila Hippo pathway transcription factor Scalloped and its co-factors alter each other's chromatin binding dynamics and transcription in vivo

The Hippo pathway is an important regulator of organ growth and cell fate. The major mechanism by which Hippo is known to control transcription is by dictating the nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling rate of Yorkie, a transcription co-activator, which promotes transcription with the DNA binding protein Scalloped. The nuclear biophysical behavior of Yorkie and Scalloped, and whether this is regulated by the Hippo pathway, remains unexplored. Using multiple live-imaging modalities on Drosophila tissues, we found that Scalloped interacts with DNA on a broad range of timescales, and enrichment of Scalloped at sites of active transcription is mediated by longer DNA dwell times. Further, Yorkie increased Scalloped's DNA dwell time, whereas the repressors Nervous fingers 1 (Nerfin-1) and Tondu-domain-containing growth inhibitor (Tgi) decreased it. Therefore, the Hippo pathway influences transcription not only by controlling nuclear abundance of Yorkie but also by modifying the DNA binding kinetics of the transcription factor Scalloped.

Computational drug prediction in hepatoblastoma by integrating pan-cancer transcriptomics with pharmacological response

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Hepatoblastoma (HB) is the predominant form of pediatric liver cancer, though it remains exceptionally rare. While treatment outcomes for children with HB have improved, patients with advanced tumors face limited therapeutic choices. Additionally, survivors often suffer from long-term adverse effects due to treatment, including ototoxicity, cardiotoxicity, delayed growth, and secondary tumors. Consequently, there is a pressing need to identify new and effective therapeutic strategies for patients with HB. Computational methods to predict drug sensitivity from a tumor's transcriptome have been successfully applied for some common adult malignancies, but specific efforts in pediatric cancers are lacking because of the paucity of data.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

In this study, we used DrugSense to assess drug efficacy in patients with HB, particularly those with the aggressive C2 subtype associated with poor clinical outcomes. Our method relied on publicly available collections of pan-cancer transcriptional profiles and drug responses across 36 tumor types and 495 compounds. The drugs predicted to be most effective were experimentally validated using patient-derived xenograft models of HB grown in vitro and in vivo. We thus identified 2 cyclin-dependent kinase 9 inhibitors, alvocidib and dinaciclib as potent HB growth inhibitors for the high-risk C2 molecular subtype. We also found that in a cohort of 46 patients with HB, high cyclin-dependent kinase 9 tumor expression was significantly associated with poor prognosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Our work proves the usefulness of computational methods trained on pan-cancer data sets to reposition drugs in rare pediatric cancers such as HB, and to help clinicians in choosing the best treatment options for their patients.

Direct and selective pharmacological disruption of the YAP-TEAD interface by IAG933 inhibits Hippo-dependent and RAS-MAPK-altered cancers

The YAP-TEAD protein-protein interaction mediates YAP oncogenic functions downstream of the Hippo pathway. To date, available YAP-TEAD pharmacologic agents bind into the lipid pocket of TEAD, targeting the interaction indirectly via allosteric changes. However, the consequences of a direct pharmacological disruption of the interface between YAP and TEADs remain largely unexplored. Here, we present IAG933 and its analogs as potent first-in-class and selective disruptors of the YAP-TEAD protein-protein interaction with suitable properties to enter clinical trials. Pharmacologic abrogation of the interaction with all four TEAD paralogs resulted in YAP eviction from chromatin and reduced Hippo-mediated transcription and induction of cell death. In vivo, deep tumor regression was observed in Hippo-driven mesothelioma xenografts at tolerated doses in animal models as well as in Hippo-altered cancer models outside mesothelioma. Importantly this also extended to larger tumor indications, such as lung, pancreatic and colorectal cancer, in combination with RTK, KRAS-mutant selective and MAPK inhibitors, leading to more efficacious and durable responses. Clinical evaluation of IAG933 is underway.

YAP condensates are highly organized hubs

YAP/TEAD signaling is essential for organismal development, cell proliferation, and cancer progression. As a transcriptional coactivator, how YAP activates its downstream target genes is incompletely understood. YAP forms biomolecular condensates in response to hyperosmotic stress, concentrating transcription-related factors to activate downstream target genes. However, whether YAP forms condensates under other signals, how YAP condensates organize and function, and how YAP condensates activate transcription in general are unknown. Here, we report that endogenous YAP forms sub-micron scale condensates in response to Hippo pathway regulation and actin cytoskeletal tension. YAP condensates are stabilized by the transcription factor TEAD1, and recruit BRD4, a coactivator that is enriched at active enhancers. Using single-particle tracking, we found that YAP condensates slowed YAP diffusion within condensate boundaries, a possible mechanism for promoting YAP target search. These results reveal that YAP condensate formation is a highly regulated process that is critical for YAP/TEAD target gene expression.

Whole-Genome DNA Methylation Profiling of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Reveals Prognostic Subtypes with Distinct Biological Drivers

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (iCCA) is the second most prevalent primary liver cancer. Although the genetic characterization of iCCA has led to targeted therapies for treating tumors with FGFR2 alterations and IDH1/2 mutations, only a limited number of patients can benefit from these strategies. Epigenomic profiles have emerged as potential diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for improving the treatment of cancers. In this study, we conducted whole-genome bisulfite sequencing on 331 iCCAs integrated with genetic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses, demonstrating the existence of four DNA methylation subtypes of iCCAs (S1-S4) that exhibited unique postoperative clinical outcomes. The S1 group was an IDH1/2 mutation-specific subtype with moderate survival. The S2 subtype was characterized by the lowest methylation level and the highest mutational burden among the four subtypes and displayed upregulation of a gene-expression pattern associated with cell cycle/DNA replication. The S3 group was distinguished by high interpatient heterogeneity of tumor immunity, a gene-expression pattern associated with carbohydrate metabolism, and an enrichment of KRAS alterations. Patients with the S2 and S3 subtypes had the shortest survival among the four subtypes. Tumors in the S4 subtype, which had the best prognosis, showed global methylation levels comparable to normal controls, increased FGFR2 fusions/BAP1 mutations, and the highest copy-number variant burdens. Further integrative and functional analyses identified GBP4 demethylation, which is highly prevalent in the S2 and S3 groups, as an epigenetic oncogenic factor that regulates iCCA proliferation, migration, and invasion. Together, this study identifies prognostic methylome alterations and epigenetic drivers in iCCA.

SIGNIFICANCE

Characterization of the DNA methylome of intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma integrated with genomic, transcriptomic, and proteomic analyses uncovers molecular mechanisms affected by genome-wide DNA methylation alterations, providing a resource for identifying potential therapeutic targets.

YAP in development and disease: Navigating the regulatory landscape from retina to brain

The distinctive role of Yes-associated protein (YAP) in the nervous system has attracted widespread attention. This comprehensive review strategically uses the retina as a vantage point, embarking on an extensive exploration of YAP's multifaceted impact from the retina to the brain in development and pathology. Initially, we explore the crucial roles of YAP in embryonic and cerebral development. Our focus then shifts to retinal development, examining in detail YAP's regulatory influence on the development of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and retinal progenitor cells (RPCs), and its significant effects on the hierarchical structure and functionality of the retina. We also investigate the essential contributions of YAP in maintaining retinal homeostasis, highlighting its precise regulation of retinal cell proliferation and survival. In terms of retinal-related diseases, we explore the epigenetic connections and pathophysiological regulation of YAP in diabetic retinopathy (DR), glaucoma, and proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). Lastly, we broaden our exploration from the retina to the brain, emphasizing the research paradigm of "retina: a window to the brain." Special focus is given to the emerging studies on YAP in brain disorders such as Alzheimer's disease (AD) and Parkinson's disease (PD), underlining its potential therapeutic value in neurodegenerative disorders and neuroinflammation.

Aggressive high-grade NF2 mutant meningiomas downregulate oncogenic YAP signaling via the upregulation of VGLL4 and FAT3/4

Meningiomas are the most common primary brain tumors in adults. Although generally benign, a subset of meningiomas is of higher grade, shows aggressive growth behavior and recurs even after multiple surgeries. Around half of all meningiomas harbor inactivating mutations in NF2. While benign low-grade NF2 mutant meningiomas exhibit few genetic events in addition to NF2 inactivation, aggressive high-grade NF2 mutant meningiomas frequently harbor a highly aberrant genome. We and others have previously shown that NF2 inactivation leads to YAP1 activation and that YAP1 acts as the pivotal oncogenic driver in benign NF2 mutant meningiomas. Using bulk and single-cell RNA-Seq data from a large cohort of human meningiomas, we show that aggressive NF2 mutant meningiomas harbor decreased levels YAP1 activity compared to their benign counterparts. Decreased expression levels of YAP target genes are significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence. We then identify the increased expression of the YAP1 competitor VGLL4 as well as the YAP1 upstream regulators FAT3/4 as a potential mechanism for the downregulation of YAP activity in aggressive NF2 mutant meningiomas. High expression of these genes is significantly associated with an increased risk of recurrence. In vitro, overexpression of VGLL4 resulted in the downregulation of YAP activity in benign NF2 mutant meningioma cells, confirming the direct link between VGLL4 expression and decreased levels of YAP activity observed in aggressive NF2 mutant meningiomas. Our results shed new insight on the biology of benign and aggressive NF2 mutant meningiomas and may have important implications for the efficacy of therapies targeting oncogenic YAP1 activity in NF2 mutant meningiomas.

CDK9 inhibition as an effective therapy for small cell lung cancer

Treatment-naïve small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is typically susceptible to standard-of-care chemotherapy consisting of cisplatin and etoposide recently combined with PD-L1 inhibitors. Yet, in most cases, SCLC patients develop resistance to first-line therapy and alternative therapies are urgently required to overcome this resistance. In this study, we tested the efficacy of dinaciclib, an FDA-orphan drug and inhibitor of the cyclin-dependent kinase (CDK) 9, among other CDKs, in SCLC. Furthermore, we report on a newly developed, highly specific CDK9 inhibitor, VC-1, with tumour-killing activity in SCLC. CDK9 inhibition displayed high killing potential in a panel of mouse and human SCLC cell lines. Mechanistically, CDK9 inhibition led to a reduction in MCL-1 and cFLIP anti-apoptotic proteins and killed cells, almost exclusively, by intrinsic apoptosis. While CDK9 inhibition did not synergise with chemotherapy, it displayed high efficacy in chemotherapy-resistant cells. In vivo, CDK9 inhibition effectively reduced tumour growth and improved survival in both autochthonous and syngeneic SCLC models. Together, this study shows that CDK9 inhibition is a promising therapeutic agent against SCLC and could be applied to chemo-refractory or resistant SCLC.

A Tumor-Specific Molecular Network Promotes Tumor Growth in Drosophila by Enforcing a Jun N-Terminal Kinase-Yorkie Feedforward Loop

Cancer cells expand rapidly in response to altered intercellular and signaling interactions to achieve the hallmarks of cancer. Impaired cell polarity combined with activated oncogenes is known to promote several hallmarks of cancer, e.g., activating invasion by increased activity of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and sustained proliferative signaling by increased activity of Hippo effector Yorkie (Yki). Thus, JNK, Yki, and their downstream transcription factors have emerged as synergistic drivers of tumor growth through pro-tumor signaling and intercellular interactions like cell competition. However, little is known about the signals that converge onto JNK and Yki in tumor cells and enable tumor cells to achieve the hallmarks of cancer. Here, using mosaic models of cooperative oncogenesis (RasV12,scrib-) in Drosophila, we show that RasV12,scrib- tumor cells grow through the activation of a previously unidentified network comprising Wingless (Wg), Dronc, JNK, and Yki. We show that RasV12,scrib- cells show increased Wg, Dronc, JNK, and Yki signaling, and all these signals are required for the growth of RasV12,scrib- tumors. We report that Wg and Dronc converge onto a JNK-Yki self-reinforcing positive feedback signal-amplification loop that promotes tumor growth. We found that the Wg-Dronc-Yki-JNK molecular network is specifically activated in polarity-impaired tumor cells and not in normal cells, in which apical-basal polarity remains intact. Our findings suggest that the identification of molecular networks may provide significant insights into the key biologically meaningful changes in signaling pathways and paradoxical signals that promote tumorigenesis.

Hippo-YAP/TAZ signalling coordinates adipose plasticity and energy balance by uncoupling leptin expression from fat mass

Adipose tissues serve as an energy reservoir and endocrine organ, yet the mechanisms that coordinate these functions remain elusive. Here, we show that the transcriptional coregulators, YAP and TAZ, uncouple fat mass from leptin levels and regulate adipocyte plasticity to maintain metabolic homeostasis. Activating YAP/TAZ signalling in adipocytes by deletion of the upstream regulators Lats1 and Lats2 results in a profound reduction in fat mass by converting mature adipocytes into delipidated progenitor-like cells, but does not cause lipodystrophy-related metabolic dysfunction, due to a paradoxical increase in circulating leptin levels. Mechanistically, we demonstrate that YAP/TAZ-TEAD signalling upregulates leptin expression by directly binding to an upstream enhancer site of the leptin gene. We further show that YAP/TAZ activity is associated with, and functionally required for, leptin regulation during fasting and refeeding. These results suggest that adipocyte Hippo-YAP/TAZ signalling constitutes a nexus for coordinating adipose tissue lipid storage capacity and systemic energy balance through the regulation of adipocyte plasticity and leptin gene transcription.

Investigating autophagy and intricate cellular mechanisms in hepatocellular carcinoma: Emphasis on cell death mechanism crosstalk

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) stands as a formidable global health challenge due to its prevalence, marked by high mortality and morbidity rates. This cancer type exhibits a multifaceted etiology, prominently linked to viral infections, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and genomic mutations. The inherent heterogeneity of HCC, coupled with its proclivity for developing drug resistance, presents formidable obstacles to effective therapeutic interventions. Autophagy, a fundamental catabolic process, plays a pivotal role in maintaining cellular homeostasis, responding to stressors such as nutrient deprivation. In the context of HCC, tumor cells exploit autophagy, either augmenting or impeding its activity, thereby influencing tumorigenesis. This comprehensive review underscores the dualistic role of autophagy in HCC, acting as both a pro-survival and pro-death mechanism, impacting the trajectory of tumorigenesis. The anti-carcinogenic potential of autophagy is evident in its ability to enhance apoptosis and ferroptosis in HCC cells. Pertinently, dysregulated autophagy fosters drug resistance in the carcinogenic context. Both genomic and epigenetic factors can regulate autophagy in HCC progression. Recognizing the paramount importance of autophagy in HCC progression, this review introduces pharmacological compounds capable of modulating autophagy-either inducing or inhibiting it, as promising avenues in HCC therapy.

The roles of Hippo/YAP signaling pathway in physical therapy

Cellular behavior is regulated by mechanical signals within the cellular microenvironment. Additionally, changes of temperature, blood flow, and muscle contraction also affect cellular state and the development of diseases. In clinical practice, physical therapy techniques such as ultrasound, vibration, exercise, cold therapy, and hyperthermia are commonly employed to alleviate pain and treat diseases. However, the molecular mechanism about how these physiotherapy methods stimulate local tissues and control gene expression remains unknow. Fortunately, the discovery of YAP filled this gap, which has been reported has the ability to sense and convert a wide variety of mechanical signals into cell-specific programs for transcription, thereby offering a fresh perspective on the mechanisms by which physiotherapy treat different diseases. This review examines the involvement of Hippo/YAP signaling pathway in various diseases and its role in different physical therapy approaches on diseases. Furthermore, we explore the potential therapeutic implications of the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway and address the limitations and controversies surrounding its application in physiotherapy.

SRCAP complex promotes lung cancer progression by reprograming the oncogenic transcription of Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway

The activation of YAP/TAZ, a pair of paralogs of transcriptional coactivators, initiates a dysregulated transcription program, which is a key feature of human cancer cells. However, it is not fully understood how YAP/TAZ promote dysregulated transcription for tumor progression. In this study, we employed the BioID method to identify the interactome of YAP/TAZ and discovered that YAP/TAZ interact with multiple components of SRCAP complex, a finding that was further validated through endogenous and exogenous co-immunoprecipitation, as well as immunofluorescence experiments. CUT&Tag analysis revealed that SRCAP complex facilitates the deposition of histone variant H2A.Z at target promoters. The depletion of SRCAP complex resulted in a decrease in H2A.Z occupancy and the oncogenic transcription of YAP/TAZ target genes. Additionally, the blockade of SRCAP complex suppressed YAP-driven tumor growth. In a genetically engineered lung adenocarcinoma mouse model and non-small cell lung cancer patients, SRCAP complex and H2A.Z deposition were found to be upregulated. This upregulation was statistically correlated with YAP expression, pathological stages, and poor survival in lung cancer patients. Together, our study uncovers that SRCAP complex plays a critical role in YAP/TAZ oncogenic transcription by coordinating H2A.Z deposition during cancer progression, providing potential targets for cancer diagnosis and prevention.

Hippo Signaling at the Hallmarks of Cancer and Drug Resistance

Originally identified in Drosophila melanogaster in 1995, the Hippo signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in organ size control and tumor suppression by inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis. Large tumor suppressors 1 and 2 (LATS1/2) directly phosphorylate the Yki orthologs YAP (yes-associated protein) and its paralog TAZ (also known as WW domain-containing transcription regulator 1 [WWTR1]), thereby inhibiting their nuclear localization and pairing with transcriptional coactivators TEAD1-4. Earnest efforts from many research laboratories have established the role of mis-regulated Hippo signaling in tumorigenesis, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), oncogenic stemness, and, more recently, development of drug resistances. Hippo signaling components at the heart of oncogenic adaptations fuel the development of drug resistance in many cancers for targeted therapies including KRAS and EGFR mutants. The first U.S. food and drug administration (US FDA) approval of the imatinib tyrosine kinase inhibitor in 2001 paved the way for nearly 100 small-molecule anti-cancer drugs approved by the US FDA and the national medical products administration (NMPA). However, the low response rate and development of drug resistance have posed a major hurdle to improving the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of cancer patients. Accumulating evidence has enabled scientists and clinicians to strategize the therapeutic approaches of targeting cancer cells and to navigate the development of drug resistance through the continuous monitoring of tumor evolution and oncogenic adaptations. In this review, we highlight the emerging aspects of Hippo signaling in cross-talk with other oncogenic drivers and how this information can be translated into combination therapy to target a broad range of aggressive tumors and the development of drug resistance.

Dynamic YAP expression in the non-parenchymal liver cell compartment controls heterologous cell communication

INTRODUCTION

The Hippo pathway and its transcriptional effectors yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are targets for cancer therapy. It is important to determine if the activation of one factor compensates for the inhibition of the other. Moreover, it is unknown if YAP/TAZ-directed perturbation affects cell-cell communication of non-malignant liver cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To investigate liver-specific phenotypes caused by YAP and TAZ inactivation, we generated mice with hepatocyte (HC) and biliary epithelial cell (BEC)-specific deletions for both factors (YAPKO, TAZKO and double knock-out (DKO)). Immunohistochemistry, single-cell sequencing, and proteomics were used to analyze liver tissues and serum.

RESULTS

The loss of BECs, liver fibrosis, and necrosis characterized livers from YAPKO and DKO mice. This phenotype was weakened in DKO tissues compared to specimens from YAPKO animals. After depletion of YAP in HCs and BECs, YAP expression was induced in non-parenchymal cells (NPCs) in a cholestasis-independent manner. YAP positivity was detected in subgroups of Kupffer cells (KCs) and endothelial cells (ECs). The secretion of pro-inflammatory chemokines and cytokines such as C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 11 (CXCL11), fms-related receptor tyrosine kinase 3 ligand (FLT3L), and soluble intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM1) was increased in the serum of YAPKO animals. YAP activation in NPCs could contribute to inflammation via TEA domain transcription factor (TEAD)-dependent transcriptional regulation of secreted factors.

CONCLUSION

YAP inactivation in HCs and BECs causes liver damage, and concomitant TAZ deletion does not enhance but reduces this phenotype. Additionally, we present a new mechanism by which YAP contributes to cell-cell communication originating from NPCs.

Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling in breast cancer: Reciprocal regulation of microRNAs and implications in precision medicine

Breast cancer is a molecularly heterogeneous disease and the most common female malignancy. In recent years, therapy approaches have evolved to accommodate molecular diversity, with a focus on more biologically based therapies to minimize negative consequences. To regulate cell fate in human breast cells, the Hippo signaling pathway has been associated with the alpha subtype of estrogen receptors. This pathway regulates tissue size, regeneration, and healing, as well as the survival of tissue-specific stem cells, proliferation, and apoptosis in a variety of organs, allowing for cell differentiation. Hippo signaling is mediated by the kinases MST1, MST2, LATS1, and LATS2, as well as the adaptor proteins SAV1 and MOB. These kinases phosphorylate the downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway, yes-associated protein (YAP), and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), suppressing the expression of their downstream target genes. The Hippo signaling pathway kinase cascade plays a significant role in all cancers. Understanding the principles of this kinase cascade would prevent the occurrence of breast cancer. In recent years, small noncoding RNAs, or microRNAs, have been implicated in the development of several malignancies, including breast cancer. The interconnections between miRNAs and Hippo signaling pathway core proteins in the breast, on the other hand, remain poorly understood. In this review, we focused on highlighting the Hippo signaling system, its key parts, its importance in breast cancer, and its regulation by miRNAs and other related pathways.

Mechanosensitive genomic enhancers potentiate the cellular response to matrix stiffness

Epigenetic control of cellular transcription and phenotype is influenced by changes in the cellular microenvironment, yet how mechanical cues from these microenvironments precisely influence epigenetic state to regulate transcription remains largely unmapped. Here, we combine genome-wide epigenome profiling, epigenome editing, and phenotypic and single-cell RNA-seq CRISPR screening to identify a new class of genomic enhancers that responds to the mechanical microenvironment. These 'mechanoenhancers' could be active on either soft or stiff extracellular matrix contexts, and regulated transcription to influence critical cell functions including apoptosis, mechanotransduction, proliferation, and migration. Epigenetic editing of mechanoenhancers on rigid materials tuned gene expression to levels observed on softer materials, thereby reprogramming the cellular response to the mechanical microenvironment. These editing approaches may enable the precise alteration of mechanically-driven disease states.

Chromatin accessibility complex subunit 1 enhances tumor growth by regulating the oncogenic transcription of YAP in breast and cervical cancer

Background

As a component of chromatin remodeling complex, chromatin accessibility complex subunit 1 (CHRAC1) is critical in transcription and DNA replication. However, the significance of CHRAC1 in cancer progression has not been investigated extensively. This research aimed to determine the function of CHRAC1 in breast and cervical cancer and elucidate the molecular mechanism.

Methods

The Bio-ID method was used to identify the interactome of transcriptional activator Yes-associated protein (YAP) and the binding between YAP and CHRAC1 was verified by immunofluorescence. CCK8, colony formation and subcutaneous xenograft assays were conducted to explore the function of CHRAC1 in cancer cell proliferation. RNA-seq analysis and RT-PCR were used to analyze the transcription program change after CHRAC1 ablation. The diagnostic value of CHRAC1 was analyzed by TCGA database and further validated by immunohistochemistry staining.

Results

In the current study, we found that the chromatin remodeler CHRAC1 was a potential YAP interactor. CHRAC1 depletion suppressed breast and cervical cancer cell proliferation and tumor growth. The potential mechanism may be that CHRAC1 interacts with YAP to facilitate oncogenic transcription of YAP target genes in Hippo pathway, thereby promoting tumorigenesis. CHRAC1 was elevated in cervical and breast cancer biopsies and the upregulation correlated with shorter survival, poor pathological stages and metastasis of cancer patients. Moreover, CHRAC1 expression was statistically associated with YAP in breast and cervical cancer biopsies.

Conclusions

These findings highlight that CHRAC1 contributes to cancer progression through regulating the oncogenic transcription of YAP, which makes it a potential therapeutic target for cancer treatment.

A chaperone-like function of FUS ensures TAZ condensate dynamics and transcriptional activation

The Hippo pathway has important roles in organ development, tissue homeostasis and tumour growth. Its downstream effector TAZ is a transcriptional coactivator that promotes target gene expression through the formation of biomolecular condensates. However, the mechanisms that regulate the biophysical properties of TAZ condensates to enable Hippo signalling are not well understood. Here using chemical crosslinking combined with an unbiased proteomics approach, we show that FUS associates with TAZ condensates and exerts a chaperone-like effect to maintain their proper liquidity and robust transcriptional activity. Mechanistically, the low complexity sequence domain of FUS targets the coiled-coil domain of TAZ in a phosphorylation-regulated manner, which ensures the liquidity and dynamicity of TAZ condensates. In cells lacking FUS, TAZ condensates transition into gel-like or solid-like assembles with immobilized TAZ, which leads to reduced expression of target genes and inhibition of pro-tumorigenic activity. Thus, our findings identify a chaperone-like function of FUS in Hippo regulation and demonstrate that appropriate biophysical properties of transcriptional condensates are essential for gene activation.

New Insights into YAP/TAZ-TEAD-Mediated Gene Regulation and Biological Processes in Cancer

The Hippo pathway is conserved across species. Key mammalian Hippo pathway kinases, including MST1/2 and LATS1/2, inhibit cellular growth by inactivating the TEAD coactivators, YAP, and TAZ. Extensive research has illuminated the roles of Hippo signaling in cancer, development, and regeneration. Notably, dysregulation of Hippo pathway components not only contributes to tumor growth and metastasis, but also renders tumors resistant to therapies. This review delves into recent research on YAP/TAZ-TEAD-mediated gene regulation and biological processes in cancer. We focus on several key areas: newly identified molecular patterns of YAP/TAZ activation, emerging mechanisms that contribute to metastasis and cancer therapy resistance, unexpected roles in tumor suppression, and advances in therapeutic strategies targeting this pathway. Moreover, we provide an updated view of YAP/TAZ's biological functions, discuss ongoing controversies, and offer perspectives on specific debated topics in this rapidly evolving field.

Comparative Assessment and High-Throughput Drug-Combination Profiling of TEAD-Palmitoylation Inhibitors in Hippo Pathway Deficient Mesothelioma

The hippo signaling pathway is a central tumor suppressor cascade frequently inactivated in selected human cancers, leading to the aberrant activation of TEAD transcription factors. Whereas several TEAD auto-palmitoylation inhibitors are currently in development, a comprehensive assessment of this novel drug-modality is missing. Here, we report a comparative analysis among six TEADi(s) using cell-based and biochemical assays in Hippo pathway deficient mesothelioma. Our analysis revealed varying potency and selectivity across TEADi, also highlighting their limited efficacy. To overcome this limitation, we performed an unbiased, quantitative high-throughput drug screening by combining the TEADi VT-103 with a library of approximately 3000 oncology-focused drugs. By exploiting this library's mechanistic redundancy, we identified several drug-classes robustly synergized with TEADi. These included glucocorticoid-receptor (GR) agonists, Mek1/2 inhibitors, mTOR inhibitors, and PI3K inhibitors, among others. Altogether, we report a coherent single-agent dataset informing on potency and selectivity of TEAD-palmitoylation inhibitors as single-agents. We also describe a rational pipeline enabling the systematic identification of TEAD druggable co-dependencies. This data should support the pre-clinical development of drug combination strategies for the treatment of Hippo-deficient mesothelioma, and more broadly, for other cancers dependent on the oncogenic activity of YAP/TEAD.

Transcriptional co-activators: emerging roles in signaling pathways and potential therapeutic targets for diseases

Specific cell states in metazoans are established by the symphony of gene expression programs that necessitate intricate synergic interactions between transcription factors and the co-activators. Deregulation of these regulatory molecules is associated with cell state transitions, which in turn is accountable for diverse maladies, including developmental disorders, metabolic disorders, and most significantly, cancer. A decade back most transcription factors, the key enablers of disease development, were historically viewed as 'undruggable'; however, in the intervening years, a wealth of literature validated that they can be targeted indirectly through transcriptional co-activators, their confederates in various physiological and molecular processes. These co-activators, along with transcription factors, have the ability to initiate and modulate transcription of diverse genes necessary for normal physiological functions, whereby, deregulation of such interactions may foster tissue-specific disease phenotype. Hence, it is essential to analyze how these co-activators modulate specific multilateral processes in coordination with other factors. The proposed review attempts to elaborate an in-depth account of the transcription co-activators, their involvement in transcription regulation, and context-specific contributions to pathophysiological conditions. This review also addresses an issue that has not been dealt with in a comprehensive manner and hopes to direct attention towards future research that will encompass patient-friendly therapeutic strategies, where drugs targeting co-activators will have enhanced benefits and reduced side effects. Additional insights into currently available therapeutic interventions and the associated constraints will eventually reveal multitudes of advanced therapeutic targets aiming for disease amelioration and good patient prognosis.

Compact engineered human mechanosensitive transactivation modules enable potent and versatile synthetic transcriptional control

Engineered transactivation domains (TADs) combined with programmable DNA binding platforms have revolutionized synthetic transcriptional control. Despite recent progress in programmable CRISPR-Cas-based transactivation (CRISPRa) technologies, the TADs used in these systems often contain poorly tolerated elements and/or are prohibitively large for many applications. Here, we defined and optimized minimal TADs built from human mechanosensitive transcription factors. We used these components to construct potent and compact multipartite transactivation modules (MSN, NMS and eN3x9) and to build the CRISPR-dCas9 recruited enhanced activation module (CRISPR-DREAM) platform. We found that CRISPR-DREAM was specific and robust across mammalian cell types, and efficiently stimulated transcription from diverse regulatory loci. We also showed that MSN and NMS were portable across Type I, II and V CRISPR systems, transcription activator-like effectors and zinc finger proteins. Further, as proofs of concept, we used dCas9-NMS to efficiently reprogram human fibroblasts into induced pluripotent stem cells and demonstrated that mechanosensitive transcription factor TADs are efficacious and well tolerated in therapeutically important primary human cell types. Finally, we leveraged the compact and potent features of these engineered TADs to build dual and all-in-one CRISPRa AAV systems. Altogether, these compact human TADs, fusion modules and delivery architectures should be valuable for synthetic transcriptional control in biomedical applications.

The Hippo pathway in endometrial cancer: a potential therapeutic target?

Endometrial cancer, one of the most prevalent malignant cancers tumors of the female reproductive tract, has been increasing in incidence and mortality rates around the world. The Hippo pathway, one of the eight traditional human cancer signaling pathways, is an intricate signaling network that regulates cell proliferation, differentiation, and migration as well as restricting organ size in response to a range of intracellular and extracellular signals. Inhibiting the Hippo pathway results in aberrant activation of its downstream core component YAP/TAZ, which can enhance cancer cells' metabolism and maintain their stemness. Additionally, the Hippo pathway can modulate the tumor microenvironment and induce drug resistance, where tumorigenesis and tumor progression occur. However, the Hippo pathway has been little researched in endometrial cancer. Here, we aim to review how the Hippo pathway contributes to the onset, development and the potential treatment of endometrial cancer with the aim of providing new therapeutic targets.

A Tumour-Specific Molecular Network Promotes Tumour Growth in Drosophila by Enforcing a JNK-YKI Feedforward Loop

Cancer cells expand rapidly in response to altered intercellular and signalling interactions to achieve hallmarks of cancer. Impaired cell polarity combined with activated oncogenes is known to promote several hallmarks of cancer e.g., activating invasion by increased activity of Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and sustained proliferative signalling by increased activity of Hippo effector Yorkie (Yki). Thus, JNK, Yki, and their downstream transcription factors have emerged as synergistic drivers of tumour growth through pro-tumour signalling and intercellular interactions like cell-competition. However, little is known about the signals that converge onto JNK and Yki in tumour cells that enable the tumour cells to achieve hallmarks of cancer. Here, using mosaic models of cooperative oncogenesis ( Ras V12 , scrib - ) in Drosophila , we show that Ras V12 , scrib - tumour cells grow by activation of a previously unidentified network comprising Wingless (Wg), Dronc, JNK and Yki. We show that Ras V12 , scrib - cells show increased Wg, Dronc, JNK, and Yki signalling, and all of these signals are required for the growth of Ras V12 , scrib - tumours. We report that Wg and Dronc converge onto a JNK-Yki self-reinforcing positive feedback signal-amplification loop that promotes tumour growth. We found that Wg-Dronc-Yki-JNK molecular network is specifically activated in polarity-impaired tumour cells and not in normal cells where apical basal polarity is intact. Our findings suggest that identification of molecular networks may provide significant insights about the key biologically meaningful changes in signalling pathways, and paradoxical signals that promote Tumourigenesis.

Identification of BRCC3 and BRCA1 as Regulators of TAZ Stability and Activity

TAZ (WWTR1) is a transcriptional co-activator regulated by Hippo signaling, mechano-transduction, and G-protein couple receptors. Once activated, TAZ and its paralogue, YAP1, regulate gene expression programs promoting cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation, thus controlling embryonic development, tissue regeneration, and aging. YAP and TAZ are also frequently activated in tumors, particularly in poorly differentiated and highly aggressive malignancies. Yet, mutations of YAP/TAZ or of their upstream regulators do not fully account for their activation in cancer, raising the possibility that other upstream regulatory pathways, still to be defined, are altered in tumors. In this work, we set out to identify novel regulators of TAZ by means of a siRNA-based screen. We identified 200 genes able to modulate the transcriptional activity of TAZ, with prominence for genes implicated in cell-cell contact, cytoskeletal tension, cell migration, WNT signaling, chromatin remodeling, and interleukins and NF-kappaB signaling. Among these genes we identified was BRCC3, a component of the BRCA1 complex that guards genome integrity and exerts tumor suppressive activity during cancer development. The loss of BRCC3 or BRCA1 leads to an increased level and activity of TAZ. Follow-up studies indicated that the cytoplasmic BRCA1 complex controls the ubiquitination and stability of TAZ. This may suggest that, in tumors, inactivating mutations of BRCA1 may unleash cell transformation by activating the TAZ oncogene.

Transcriptional coupling of telomeric retrotransposons with the cell cycle

Instead of employing telomerases to safeguard chromosome ends, dipteran species maintain their telomeres by transposition of telomeric-specific retrotransposons (TRs): in Drosophila , these are HeT-A , TART , and TAHRE . Previous studies have shown how these TRs create tandem repeats at chromosome ends, but the exact mechanism controlling TR transcription has remained unclear. Here we report the identification of multiple subunits of the transcription cofactor Mediator complex and transcriptional factors Scalloped (Sd, the TEAD homolog in flies) and E2F1-Dp as novel regulators of TR transcription and telomere length in Drosophila . Depletion of multiple Mediator subunits, Dp, or Sd increased TR expression and telomere length, while over-expressing E2F1-Dp or knocking down the E2F1 regulator Rbf1 (Retinoblastoma-family protein 1) stimulated TR transcription, with Mediator and Sd affecting TR expression through E2F1-Dp. The CUT&RUN analysis revealed direct binding of CDK8, Dp, and Sd to telomeric repeats. These findings highlight the essential role of the Mediator complex in maintaining telomere homeostasis by regulating TR transcription through E2F1-Dp and Sd, revealing the intricate coupling of TR transcription with the host cell-cycle machinery, thereby ensuring chromosome end protection and genomic stability during cell division.

Genome-Wide Characterization of TAZ Binding Sites in Mammary Epithelial Cells

The transcriptional co-activator with PDZ binding motif (TAZ) is a key effector of the Hippo signaling pathway. We and others previously reported that high expression levels of TAZ are positively associated with decreased survival rates and shorter times to relapse in basal-like breast cancer (BLBC) patients. The oncogenic activity of TAZ involves the regulation of diverse signal transduction pathways that direct processes such as cell proliferation, migration, and resistance to apoptosis, albeit through poorly characterized gene expression programs. Here, using a tet-inducible system in mammary epithelial MCF10A cells, we have characterized the TAZ-regulated transcription program using RNA sequencing in a temporal and spatial manner. We further identified global TAZ binding sites at different TAZ activation time points by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) sequencing analysis. We found that the vast majority of TAZ was rapidly localized in enhancer regions at the early TAZ activation time point and then gradually spread to promoter regions. TAZ bound to enhancer regions following a switch in potential TEAD and FOSL2 transcription factor motifs. Furthermore, the ATAC sequencing analysis indicated that TAZ activation led to chromatin structural alterations. Together, our results have revealed the landscape of genome-wide TAZ binding sites and may lead to improvements in the current understanding of how TAZ regulates the gene expression program that contributes to the development of breast cancer.

Chloroacetamide fragment library screening identifies new scaffolds for covalent inhibition of the TEAD·YAP1 interaction

Transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD) binding to co-activator yes-associated protein (YAP1) leads to a transcription factor of the Hippo pathway. TEADs are regulated by S-palmitoylation of a conserved cysteine located in a deep well-defined hydrophobic pocket outside the TEAD·YAP1 interaction interface. Previously, we reported the discovery of a small molecule based on the structure of flufenamic acid that binds to the palmitate pocket, forms a covalent bond with the conserved cysteine, and inhibits TEAD4 binding to YAP1. Here, we screen a fragment library of chloroacetamide electrophiles to identify new scaffolds that bind to the palmitate pocket of TEADs and disrupt their interaction with YAP1. Time- and concentration-dependent studies with wild-type and mutant TEAD1-4 provided insight into their reaction rates and binding constants and established the compounds as covalent inhibitors of TEAD binding to YAP1. Binding pose hypotheses were generated by covalent docking revealing that the fragments and compounds engage lower, middle, and upper sub-sites of the palmitate pocket. Our fragments and compounds provide new scaffolds and starting points for the design of derivatives with improved inhibition potency of TEAD palmitoylation and binding to YAP1.

YAP is required for prostate development, regeneration, and prostate stem cell function

Prostate development and regeneration depend on prostate stem cell function, the delicate balance of stem cell self-renewal and differentiation. However, mechanisms modulating prostate stem cell function remain poorly identified. Here, we explored the roles of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) in prostate stem cells, prostate development and regeneration. Using YAPfl/fl, CD133-CreER mice, we found that stem cell-specific YAP-deficient mice had compromised branching morphogenesis and epithelial differentiation, resulting in damaged prostate development. YAP inhibition also significantly affected the regeneration process of mice prostate, leading to impaired regenerated prostate. Furthermore, YAP ablation in prostate stem cells significantly reduced its self-renewal activity in vitro, and attenuated prostate regeneration of prostate grafts in vivo. Further analysis revealed a decrease in Notch and Hedgehog pathways expression in YAP inhibition cells, and treatment with exogenous Shh partially restored the self-renewal ability of prostate sphere cells. Taken together, our results revealed the roles of YAP in prostate stem cell function and prostate development and regeneration through regulation of the Notch and Hedgehog signaling pathways.

Cancer lineage-specific regulation of YAP responsive elements revealed through large-scale functional epigenomic screens

YAP is a key transcriptional co-activator of TEADs, it regulates cell growth and is frequently activated in cancer. In Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (MPM), YAP is activated by loss-of-function mutations in upstream components of the Hippo pathway, while, in Uveal Melanoma (UM), YAP is activated in a Hippo-independent manner. To date, it is unclear if and how the different oncogenic lesions activating YAP impact its oncogenic program, which is particularly relevant for designing selective anti-cancer therapies. Here we show that, despite YAP being essential in both MPM and UM, its interaction with TEAD is unexpectedly dispensable in UM, limiting the applicability of TEAD inhibitors in this cancer type. Systematic functional interrogation of YAP regulatory elements in both cancer types reveals convergent regulation of broad oncogenic drivers in both MPM and UM, but also strikingly selective programs. Our work reveals unanticipated lineage-specific features of the YAP regulatory network that provide important insights to guide the design of tailored therapeutic strategies to inhibit YAP signaling across different cancer types.

Insights into recent findings and clinical application of YAP and TAZ in cancer

Decades of research have mapped out the basic mechanics of the Hippo pathway. The paralogues Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), as the central transcription control module of the Hippo pathway, have long been implicated in the progression of various human cancers. The current literature regarding oncogenic YAP and TAZ activities consists mostly of context-specific mechanisms and treatments of human cancers. Furthermore, a growing number of studies demonstrate tumour-suppressor functions of YAP and TAZ. In this Review we aim to synthesize an integrated perspective of the many disparate findings regarding YAP and TAZ in cancer. We then conclude with the various strategies for targeting and treating YAP- and TAZ-dependent cancers.

An allosteric pan-TEAD inhibitor blocks oncogenic YAP/TAZ signaling and overcomes KRAS G12C inhibitor resistance

The Hippo pathway is a key growth control pathway that is conserved across species. The downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway, YAP (Yes-associated protein) and TAZ (transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif), are frequently activated in cancers to drive proliferation and survival. Based on the premise that sustained interactions between YAP/TAZ and TEADs (transcriptional enhanced associate domain) are central to their transcriptional activities, we discovered a potent small-molecule inhibitor (SMI), GNE-7883, that allosterically blocks the interactions between YAP/TAZ and all human TEAD paralogs through binding to the TEAD lipid pocket. GNE-7883 effectively reduces chromatin accessibility specifically at TEAD motifs, suppresses cell proliferation in a variety of cell line models and achieves strong antitumor efficacy in vivo. Furthermore, we uncovered that GNE-7883 effectively overcomes both intrinsic and acquired resistance to KRAS (Kirsten rat sarcoma viral oncogene homolog) G12C inhibitors in diverse preclinical models through the inhibition of YAP/TAZ activation. Taken together, this work demonstrates the activities of TEAD SMIs in YAP/TAZ-dependent cancers and highlights their potential broad applications in precision oncology and therapy resistance.

New insights into the ambivalent role of YAP/TAZ in human cancers

Hippo signaling was first identified in Drosophila as a key controller of organ size by regulating cell proliferation and anti-apoptosis. Subsequent studies have shown that this pathway is highly conserved in mammals, and its dysregulation is implicated in multiple events of cancer development and progression. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) (hereafter YAP/TAZ) are the downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway. YAP/TAZ overexpression or activation is sufficient to induce tumor initiation and progression, as well as recurrence and therapeutic resistance. However, there is growing evidence that YAP/TAZ also exert a tumor-suppressive function in a context-dependent manner. Therefore, caution should be taken when targeting Hippo signaling in clinical trials in the future. In this review article, we will first give an overview of YAP/TAZ and their oncogenic roles in various cancers and then systematically summarize the tumor-suppressive functions of YAP/TAZ in different contexts. Based on these findings, we will further discuss the clinical implications of YAP/TAZ-based tumor targeted therapy and potential future directions.

A mutational hotspot in AMOTL1 defines a new syndrome of orofacial clefting, cardiac anomalies, and tall stature

AMOTL1 encodes angiomotin-like protein 1, an actin-binding protein that regulates cell polarity, adhesion, and migration. The role of AMOTL1 in human disease is equivocal. We report a large cohort of individuals harboring heterozygous AMOTL1 variants and define a core phenotype of orofacial clefting, congenital heart disease, tall stature, auricular anomalies, and gastrointestinal manifestations in individuals with variants in AMOTL1 affecting amino acids 157-161, a functionally undefined but highly conserved region. Three individuals with AMOTL1 variants outside this region are also described who had variable presentations with orofacial clefting and multi-organ disease. Our case cohort suggests that heterozygous missense variants in AMOTL1, most commonly affecting amino acid residues 157-161, define a new orofacial clefting syndrome, and indicates an important functional role for this undefined region.

FGFR4 and EZH2 inhibitors synergistically induce hepatocellular carcinoma apoptosis via repressing YAP signaling

BACKGROUND

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and lethal cancers worldwide, but current treatment options remain limited and cause serious life-threatening side effects. Aberrant FGFR4 signaling has been validated as an oncogenic driver of HCC, and EZH2, the catalytic subunit of the PRC2 complex, is a potential factor that contributes to acquired drug resistance in many tumors, including HCC. However, the functional relationship between these two carcinogenic factors, especially their significance for HCC treatment, remains unclear. In this study, we systematically evaluated the feasibility of a combination therapy targeting FGFR4 and EZH2 for HCC.

METHODS

RNA sequencing data of patients with Liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC) from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) were analyzed to determine FGFR4 and EZH2 expression and their interaction with prognosis. Moreover, the HCC cell lines, zebrafish/mouse HCC xenografts and zebrafish HCC primary tumors were treated with FGFR4 inhibitor (Roblitinib) and/or EZH2 inhibitor (CPI-169) and then subjected to cell proliferation, viability, apoptosis, and tumor growth analyses to evaluate the feasibility of combination therapy for HCC both in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, RNA-Seq was performed in combination with ChIP-Seq data analysis to investigate the critical mechanism underlying the combination treatment with Roblitinib and CPI-169.

RESULTS

EZH2 accumulated through the non-canonical NF-kB signaling in response to FGFR4 inhibitor treatment, and the elevated EZH2 levels led to the antagonism of HCC against Roblitinib (FGFR4 inhibitor). Notably, knockdown of EZH2 sensitized HCC cells to Roblitinib, while the combination treatment of Roblitinib and CPI-169 (EZH2 inhibitor) synergistically induced the HCC cell apoptosis in vitro and suppressed the zebrafish/mouse HCC xenografts and zebrafish HCC primary tumors development in vivo. Moreover, Roblitinib and CPI-169 synergistically inhibited HCC development via repressing YAP signaling.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our study highlighted the potential of the therapeutic combination of FGFR4 and EZH2 inhibitors, which would provide new references for the further development of clinical treatment strategies for HCC.

The Molecular Mechanism of the TEAD1 Gene and miR-410-5p Affect Embryonic Skeletal Muscle Development: A miRNA-Mediated ceRNA Network Analysis

Muscle development is a complex biological process involving an intricate network of multiple factor interactions. Through the analysis of transcriptome data and molecular biology confirmation, this study aims to reveal the molecular mechanism underlying sheep embryonic skeletal muscle development. The RNA sequencing of embryos was conducted, and microRNA (miRNA)-mediated competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) networks were constructed. qRT-PCR, siRNA knockdown, CCK-8 assay, scratch assay, and dual luciferase assay were used to carry out gene function identification. Through the analysis of the ceRNA networks, three miRNAs (miR-493-3p, miR-3959-3p, and miR-410-5p) and three genes (TEAD1, ZBTB34, and POGLUT1) were identified. The qRT-PCR of the DE-miRNAs and genes in the muscle tissues of sheep showed that the expression levels of the TEAD1 gene and miR-410-5p were correlated with the growth rate. The knockdown of the TEAD1 gene by siRNA could significantly inhibit the proliferation of sheep primary embryonic myoblasts, and the expression levels of SLC1A5, FoxO3, MyoD, and Pax7 were significantly downregulated. The targeting relationship between miR-410-5p and the TEAD1 gene was validated by a dual luciferase assay, and miR-410-5p can significantly downregulate the expression of TEAD1 in sheep primary embryonic myoblasts. We proved the regulatory relationship between miR-410-5p and the TEAD1 gene, which was related to the proliferation of sheep embryonic myoblasts. The results provide a reference and molecular basis for understanding the molecular mechanism of embryonic muscle development.

The oncogenic roles and clinical implications of YAP/TAZ in breast cancer

Breast cancer (BC) is the most commonly diagnosed form of cancer and a leading cause of cancer-related deaths among women worldwide. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are homologous transcriptional coactivators and downstream effectors of Hippo signalling. YAP/TAZ activation has been revealed to play essential roles in multiple events of BC development, including tumour initiation, progression, metastasis, drug resistance and stemness regulations. In this review, we will first give an overview of YAP/TAZ-mediated oncogenesis in BC, and then systematically summarise the oncogenic roles of YAP/TAZ in various BC subtypes, BC stem cells (BCSCs) and tumour microenvironments (TMEs). Based on these findings, we will further discuss the clinical implications of YAP/TAZ-based targeted therapies in BC and the potential future direction.

Small-Molecule Cyanamide Pan-TEAD·YAP1 Covalent Antagonists

Transcriptional enhanced associate domains (TEADs) are transcription factors that bind to cotranscriptional activators like the yes-associated protein (YAP) or its paralog transcriptional coactivator with a PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). TEAD·YAP/TAZ target genes are involved in tissue and immune homeostasis, organ size control, tumor growth, and metastasis. Here, we report isoindoline and octahydroisoindole small molecules with a cyanamide electrophile that forms a covalent bond with a conserved cysteine in the TEAD palmitate-binding cavity. Time- and concentration-dependent studies against TEAD1-4 yielded second-order rate constants k_inact/K_I greater than 100 M^-1 s^-1. Compounds inhibited YAP1 binding to TEADs with submicromolar IC₅₀ values. Cocrystal structures with TEAD2 enabled structure-activity relationship studies. In mammalian cells, compounds suppressed CTGF mRNA levels and inhibited TEAD1-4 transcriptional activity with submicromolar IC₅₀ values. Inhibition of TEAD binding to YAP1 in mammalian cells was also observed. Several compounds inhibited the cell viability of sarcoma, hepatocellular carcinoma, glioblastoma, and breast cancer cells with single-digit micromolar IC₅₀ values.

The Biology and Therapeutic Potential of the Src-YAP Axis in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most common lung cancer type which accounts for the majority (~85%) of all lung cancer cases [...].

Role of the Hippo pathway in liver regeneration and repair: recent advances

Although the signaling pathways involved in normal liver regeneration have been well characterized, less has been done for livers affected by chronic tissue damage. These "abnormal livers" have an impaired regenerative response that leads to liver repair and fibrosis. The tumor suppressor Hippo pathway plays a key role in liver regeneration and repair. On this basis, this review discusses recent studies focusing on the involvement of the Hippo signaling pathway during "normal healthy liver regeneration" (i.e., in a normal liver after 2/3 partial hepatectomy) and "abnormal liver regeneration" (i.e., in a liver damaged by chronic disease). This could be an important question to address with respect to new therapies aimed at improving impaired liver regenerative responses. The studies reported here have shown that activation of the Hippo coactivators YAP/TAZ during normal liver regeneration promotes the formation of a new bile duct network through direct BEC proliferation or/and hepatocyte dedifferentiation to HPCs which can trans-differentiate to BECs. Moreover, YAP/TAZ signaling interaction with other signaling pathways mediates the recruitment and activation of Kupffer cells, which release mitogenic cytokines for parenchymal and/or non-parenchymal cells and engage in phagocytosis of cellular debris. In addition, YAP-mediated activation of stellate cells (HSCs) promotes liver regeneration through the synthesis of extracellular matrix. However, in chronically diseased livers, where the predetermined threshold for proper liver regeneration is exceeded, YAP/TAZ activation results in a reparative process characterized by liver fibrosis. In this condition, YAP/TAZ activation in parenchymal and non-parenchymal cells results in (i) differentiation of quiescent HSCs into myofibroblastic HSCs; (ii) recruitment of macrophages releasing inflammatory cytokines; (iii) polarization of macrophages toward the M2 phenotype. Since accumulation of damaged hepatocytes in chronic liver injury represent a significant risk factor for the development of hepatocarcinoma, this review also discussed the involvement of the Hippo pathway in the clearance of damaged cells.

Targeting the Hippo/YAP/TAZ signalling pathway: Novel opportunities for therapeutic interventions into skin cancers

Skin cancers are by far the most frequently diagnosed human cancers. The closely related transcriptional co-regulator proteins YAP and TAZ (WWTR1) have emerged as important drivers of tumour initiation, progression and metastasis in melanoma and non-melanoma skin cancers. YAP/TAZ serve as an essential signalling hub by integrating signals from multiple upstream pathways. In this review, we summarize the roles of YAP/TAZ in skin physiology and tumorigenesis and discuss recent efforts of therapeutic interventions that target YAP/TAZ in in both preclinical and clinical settings, as well as their prospects for use as skin cancer treatments.