Nuclear localization and pro-apoptotic signaling of YAP2 require intact PDZ-binding motif

Mechanical Factors Regulate Annulus Fibrosus (AF) Injury Repair and Remodeling: A Review

Low back pain is a common chronic disease that can severely affect the patient's work and daily life. The breakdown of spinal mechanical homeostasis caused by intervertebral disc (IVD) degeneration is a leading cause of low back pain. Annulus fibrosus (AF), as the outer layer structure of the IVD, is often the first affected part. AF injury caused by consistent stress overload will further accelerate IVD degeneration. Therefore, regulating AF injury repair and remodeling should be the primary goal of the IVD repair strategy. Mechanical stimulation has been shown to promote AF regeneration and repair, but most studies only focus on the effect of single stress on AF, and lack realistic models and methods that can mimic the actual mechanical environment of AF. In this article, we review the effects of different types of stress stimulation on AF injury repair and remodeling, suggest possible beneficial load combinations, and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. It will provide the theoretical basis for designing better tissue engineering therapy using mechanical factors to regulate AF injury repair and remodeling in the future.

YAP Signaling Regulates the Cellular Uptake and Therapeutic Effect of Nanoparticles

Interactions between living cells and nanoparticles are extensively studied to enhance the delivery of therapeutics. Nanoparticles size, shape, stiffness, and surface charge are regarded as the main features able to control the fate of cell-nanoparticle interactions. However, the clinical translation of nanotherapies has so far been limited, and there is a need to better understand the biology of cell-nanoparticle interactions. This study investigates the role of cellular mechanosensitive components in cell-nanoparticle interactions. It is demonstrated that the genetic and pharmacologic inhibition of yes-associated protein (YAP), a key component of cancer cell mechanosensing apparatus and Hippo pathway effector, improves nanoparticle internalization in triple-negative breast cancer cells regardless of nanoparticle properties or substrate characteristics. This process occurs through YAP-dependent regulation of endocytic pathways, cell mechanics, and membrane organization. Hence, the study proposes targeting YAP may sensitize triple-negative breast cancer cells to chemotherapy and increase the selectivity of nanotherapy.

Nuclear Import and Export of YAP and TAZ

Yes-associated Protein (YAP) and its paralog Transcriptional Coactivator with PDZ-binding Motif (TAZ) are major regulators of gene transcription/expression, primarily controlled by the Hippo pathway and the cytoskeleton. Integrating an array of chemical and mechanical signals, they impact growth, differentiation, and regeneration. Accordingly, they also play key roles in tumorigenesis and metastasis formation. Their activity is primarily regulated by their localization, that is, Hippo pathway- and/or cytoskeleton-controlled cytosolic or nuclear sequestration. While many details of such prevailing retention models have been elucidated, much less is known about their actual nuclear traffic: import and export. Although their size is not far from the cutoff for passive diffusion through the nuclear pore complex (NPC), and they do not contain any classic nuclear localization (NLS) or nuclear export signal (NES), evidence has been accumulating that their shuttling involves mediated and thus regulatable/targetable processes. The aim of this review is to summarize emerging information/concepts about their nucleocytoplasmic shuttling, encompassing the relevant structural requirements (NLS, NES), nuclear transport receptors (NTRs, karyophererins), and NPC components, along with the potential transport mechanisms and their regulation. While dissecting retention vs. transport is often challenging, the emerging picture suggests that YAP/TAZ shuttles across the NPC via multiple, non-exclusive, mediated mechanisms, constituting a novel and intriguing facet of YAP/TAZ biology.

Optogenetic control of YAP can enhance the rate of wound healing

BACKGROUND

Tissues need to regenerate to restore function after injury. Yet, this regenerative capacity varies significantly between organs and between species. For example, in the heart, some species retain full regenerative capacity throughout their lifespan but human cardiac cells display a limited ability to repair the injury. After a myocardial infarction, the function of cardiomyocytes is impaired and reduces the ability of the heart to pump, causing heart failure. Therefore, there is a need to restore the function of an injured heart post myocardial infarction. We investigate in cell culture the role of the Yes-associated protein (YAP), a transcriptional co-regulator with a pivotal role in growth, in driving repair after injury.

METHODS

We express optogenetic YAP (optoYAP) in three different cell lines. We characterised the behaviour and function of optoYAP using fluorescence imaging and quantitative real-time PCR of downstream YAP target genes. Mutant constructs were generated using site-directed mutagenesis. Nuclear localised optoYAP was functionally tested using wound healing assay.

RESULTS

Utilising optoYAP, which enables precise control of pathway activation, we show that YAP induces the expression of downstream genes involved in proliferation and migration. optoYAP can increase the speed of wound healing in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts. Interestingly, this is not driven by an increase in proliferation, but by collective cell migration. We subsequently dissect specific phosphorylation sites in YAP to identify the molecular driver of accelerated healing.

CONCLUSIONS

This study shows that optogenetic YAP is functional in H9c2 cardiomyoblasts and its controlled activation can potentially enhance wound healing in a range of conditions.

TPM2 attenuates progression of prostate cancer by blocking PDLIM7-mediated nuclear translocation of YAP1

BACKGROUND

Prostate cancer (PCa) is a common malignant tumor of the genitourinary system. Clinical intervention in advanced PCa remains challenging. Tropomyosins 2 (TPM2) are actin-binding proteins and have been found as a biomarker candidate for certain cancers. However, no studies have explored the role of TPM2 in PCa and its regulatory mechanism.

METHODS

TPM2 expression was assessed in Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) PCa patient dataset. The effect of TPM2 on PCa progression was assessed in vitro and in vivo by quantifying proliferation, migration, invasion and tumor growth assays, and the mechanism of TPM2 in PCa progression was gradually revealed by Western blotting, immunoprecipitation, and immunofluorescence staining arrays.

RESULTS

TPM2 was found to be severely downregulated in tumor tissues of PCa patients compared with tumor-adjacent normal tissues. In vitro experiments revealed that TPM2 overexpression inhibited PCa cell proliferation, invasion and androgen-independent proliferation. Moreover, TPM2 overexpression inhibited the growth of subcutaneous xenograft tumors in vivo. Mechanistically, this effect was noted to be dependent on PDZ-binding motif of TPM2. TPM2 competed with YAP1 for binding to PDLIM7 through the PDZ-binding motif. The binding of TPM2 to PDLIM7 subsequently inhibited the nuclear transport function of PDLIM7 for YAP1. YAP1 sequestered in the cytoplasm phosphorylated at S127, resulting in its inactivation or degradation which in turn inhibited the expression of YAP1 downstream target genes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study investigated the role of TPM2, PDLIM7, and YAP1 in PCa progression and castration resistance. TPM2 attenuates progression of PCa by blocking PDLIM7-mediated nuclear translocation of YAP1. Accordingly, targeting the expression or functional modulation of TPM2, PDLIM7, or YAP1 has the potential to be an effective therapeutic approach to reduce PCa proliferation and prevent the progression of castration-resistant prostate cancer (CRPC).

Emerging Role of YAP and the Hippo Pathway in Prostate Cancer

The Hippo pathway regulates and contributes to several hallmarks of prostate cancer (PCa). Although the elucidation of YAP function in PCa is in its infancy, emerging studies have shed light on the role of aberrant Hippo pathway signaling in PCa development and progression. YAP overexpression and nuclear localization has been linked to poor prognosis and resistance to treatment, highlighting a therapeutic potential that may suggest innovative strategies to treat cancer. This review aimed to summarize available data on the biological function of the dysregulated Hippo pathway in PCa and identify knowledge gaps that need to be addressed for optimizing the development of YAP-targeted treatment strategies in patients likely to benefit.

High MST2 expression regulates lens epithelial cell apoptosis in age-related cataracts through YAP1 targeting GLUT1

Age-related cataract (ARC) is a severe visual impairment disease and its pathogenesis remains unclear. This study investigated the relevance of MST2/YAP1/GLUT1 in ARC development in vivo and in vitro, and explored the role and possible mechanisms of this pathway in oxidative damage-mediated apoptosis of lens epithelial cells (LECs). Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry showed that MST2 and phosphorylated (p)-YAP (Ser127) protein levels were increased, and YAP1 and GLUT1 protein levels were decreased in LECs of ARC patients and aged mice. Additionally, differential expression of MST2 and YAP1 was associated with H₂O₂-induced apoptosis of human lens epithelial B3 (HLE-B3) cells. CCK-8 and Hoechst 33,342 apoptosis assays showed that MST2 and YAP1 were involved in H₂O₂-induced apoptosis of LECs. Subsequent experiments showed that, during MST2-mediated H₂O₂-induced apoptosis, p-YAP (Ser127) levels were elevated and immunofluorescence revealed nucleoplasmic translocation and inhibition of YAP1 protein expression. Furthermore, GLUT1 was in turn synergistically transcriptionally regulated by YAP1-TEAD1 in dual luciferase reporter assays. In conclusion, our study indicates that the MST2/YAP1/GLUT1 pathway plays a major role in the pathogenesis of ARC and LECs apoptosis, providing a new direction for future development of targeted inhibitors that block this signaling pathway to prevent, delay, or even cure ARC.

Mechanical control of nuclear import by Importin-7 is regulated by its dominant cargo YAP

Mechanical forces regulate multiple essential pathways in the cell. The nuclear translocation of mechanoresponsive transcriptional regulators is an essential step for mechanotransduction. However, how mechanical forces regulate the nuclear import process is not understood. Here, we identify a highly mechanoresponsive nuclear transport receptor (NTR), Importin-7 (Imp7), that drives the nuclear import of YAP, a key regulator of mechanotransduction pathways. Unexpectedly, YAP governs the mechanoresponse of Imp7 by forming a YAP/Imp7 complex that responds to mechanical cues through the Hippo kinases MST1/2. Furthermore, YAP behaves as a dominant cargo of Imp7, restricting the Imp7 binding and the nuclear translocation of other Imp7 cargoes such as Smad3 and Erk2. Thus, the nuclear import process is an additional regulatory layer indirectly regulated by mechanical cues, which activate a preferential Imp7 cargo, YAP, which competes out other cargoes, resulting in signaling crosstalk.

The translation of mechanical cues into gene expression changes is dependent on the nuclear import of mechanoresponsive transcriptional regulators. Here the authors identify that Importin-7 drives the nuclear import of one such regulator YAP while YAP then controls Importin-7 response to mechanical cues and restricts Importin-7 binding to other cargoes.

The Hippo pathway in cancer: YAP/TAZ and TEAD as therapeutic targets in cancer

Tumorigenesis is a highly complex process, involving many interrelated and cross-acting signalling pathways. One such pathway that has garnered much attention in the field of cancer research over the last decade is the Hippo signalling pathway. Consisting of two antagonistic modules, the pathway plays an integral role in both tumour suppressive and oncogenic processes, generally via regulation of a diverse set of genes involved in a range of biological functions. This review discusses the history of the pathway within the context of cancer and explores some of the most recent discoveries as to how this critical transducer of cellular signalling can influence cancer progression. A special focus is on the various recent efforts to therapeutically target the key effectors of the pathway in both preclinical and clinical settings.

Scaffold-Mediated Immunoengineering as Innovative Strategy for Tendon Regeneration

Tendon injuries are at the frontier of innovative approaches to public health concerns and sectoral policy objectives. Indeed, these injuries remain difficult to manage due to tendon’s poor healing ability ascribable to a hypo-cellularity and low vascularity, leading to the formation of a fibrotic tissue affecting its functionality. Tissue engineering represents a promising solution for the regeneration of damaged tendons with the aim to stimulate tissue regeneration or to produce functional implantable biomaterials. However, any technological advancement must take into consideration the role of the immune system in tissue regeneration and the potential of biomaterial scaffolds to control the immune signaling, creating a pro-regenerative environment. In this context, immunoengineering has emerged as a new discipline, developing innovative strategies for tendon injuries. It aims at designing scaffolds, in combination with engineered bioactive molecules and/or stem cells, able to modulate the interaction between the transplanted biomaterial-scaffold and the host tissue allowing a pro-regenerative immune response, therefore hindering fibrosis occurrence at the injury site and guiding tendon regeneration. Thus, this review is aimed at giving an overview on the role exerted from different tissue engineering actors in leading immunoregeneration by crosstalking with stem and immune cells to generate new paradigms in designing regenerative medicine approaches for tendon injuries.

Journey to the Center of the Cell: Cytoplasmic and Nuclear Actin in Immune Cell Functions

Actin cytoskeletal dynamics drive cellular shape changes, linking numerous cell functions to physiological and pathological cues. Mutations in actin regulators that are differentially expressed or enriched in immune cells cause severe human diseases known as primary immunodeficiencies underscoring the importance of efficienct actin remodeling in immune cell homeostasis. Here we discuss recent findings on how immune cells sense the mechanical properties of their environement. Moreover, while the organization and biochemical regulation of cytoplasmic actin have been extensively studied, nuclear actin reorganization is a rapidly emerging field that has only begun to be explored in immune cells. Based on the critical and multifaceted contributions of cytoplasmic actin in immune cell functionality, nuclear actin regulation is anticipated to have a large impact on our understanding of immune cell development and functionality.

An optogenetic method for interrogating YAP1 and TAZ nuclear-cytoplasmic shuttling

The shuttling of transcription factors and transcriptional regulators into and out of the nucleus is central to the regulation of many biological processes. Here we describe a new method for studying the rates of nuclear entry and exit of transcriptional regulators. A photo-responsive LOV (light-oxygen-voltage) domain from Avena sativa is used to sequester fluorescently labelled transcriptional regulators YAP1 and TAZ (also known as WWTR1) on the surface of mitochondria and to reversibly release them upon blue light illumination. After dissociation, fluorescent signals from the mitochondria, cytoplasm and nucleus are extracted by a bespoke app and used to generate rates of nuclear entry and exit. Using this method, we demonstrate that phosphorylation of YAP1 on canonical sites enhances its rate of nuclear export. Moreover, we provide evidence that, despite high intercellular variability, YAP1 import and export rates correlate within the same cell. By simultaneously releasing YAP1 and TAZ from sequestration, we show that their rates of entry and exit are correlated. Furthermore, combining the optogenetic release of YAP1 with lattice light-sheet microscopy reveals high heterogeneity of YAP1 dynamics within different cytoplasmic regions, demonstrating the utility and versatility of our tool to study protein dynamics. This article has an associated First Person interview with Anna M. Dowbaj, joint first author of the paper.

Evidence for discrete modes of YAP1 signaling via mRNA splice isoforms in development and diseases

Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is a transcriptional co-activator downstream of Hippo pathway. The pathway exerts crucial roles in organogenesis and its dysregulation is associated with the spreading of different cancer types. YAP1 gene encodes for multiple protein isoforms, whose specific functions are not well defined. We demonstrate the splicing of isoform-specific mRNAs is controlled in a stage- and tissue-specific fashion. We designed expression vectors encoding for the most-represented isoforms of YAP1 with either one or two WW domains and studied their specific signaling activities in YAP1 knock-out cell lines. YAP1 isoforms display both common and unique functions and activate distinct transcriptional programs, as the result of their unique protein interactomes. By generating TEAD-based transcriptional reporter cell lines, we demonstrate individual YAP1 isoforms display unique effects on cell proliferation and differentiation. Finally, we illustrate the complexity of the regulation of Hippo-YAP1 effector in physiological and in pathological conditions of the heart.

Physical Interaction between HPV16E7 and the Actin-Binding Protein Gelsolin Regulates Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition via HIPPO-YAP Axis

Human papillomavirus 16 (HPV16) exhibits a strong oncogenic potential mainly in cervical, anogenital and oropharyngeal cancers. The E6 and E7 viral oncoproteins, acting via specific interactions with host cellular targets, are required for cell transformation and maintenance of the transformed phenotype as well. We previously demonstrated that HPV16E7 interacts with the actin-binding protein gelsolin, involved in cytoskeletal F-actin dynamics. Herein, we provide evidence that the E7/gelsolin interaction promotes the cytoskeleton rearrangement leading to epithelial-mesenchymal transition-linked morphological and transcriptional changes. E7-mediated cytoskeletal actin remodeling induces the HIPPO pathway by promoting the cytoplasmic retention of inactive P-YAP. These results suggest that YAP could play a role in the "de-differentiation" process underlying the acquisition of a more aggressive phenotype in HPV16-transformed cells. A deeper comprehension of the multifaceted mechanisms elicited by the HPV infection is vital for providing novel strategies to block the biological and clinical features of virus-related cancers.

YAP1 and its fusion proteins in cancer initiation, progression and therapeutic resistance

YAP1 is a transcriptional co-activator whose activity is controlled by the Hippo signaling pathway. In addition to important functions in normal tissue homeostasis and regeneration, YAP1 has also prominent functions in cancer initiation, aggressiveness, metastasis, and therapy resistance. In this review we are discussing the molecular functions of YAP1 and its roles in cancer, with a focus on the different mechanisms of de-regulation of YAP1 activity in human cancers, including inactivation of upstream Hippo pathway tumor suppressors, regulation by intersecting pathways, miRNAs, and viral oncogenes. We are also discussing new findings on the function and biology of the recently identified family of YAP1 gene fusions, that constitute a new type of activating mutation of YAP1 and that are the likely oncogenic drivers in several subtypes of human cancers. Lastly, we also discuss different strategies of therapeutic inhibition of YAP1 functions.

The Intersection of Mechanotransduction and Regenerative Osteogenic Materials

Mechanical signals play a central role in cell fate determination and differentiation in both physiologic and pathologic circumstances. Such signals may be delivered using materials to generate discrete microenvironments for the purposes of tissue regeneration and have garnered increasing attention in recent years. Unlike the addition of progenitor cells or growth factors, delivery of a microenvironment is particularly attractive in that it may reduce the known untoward consequences of the former two strategies, such as excessive proliferation and potential malignant transformation. Additionally, the ability to spatially modulate the fabrication of materials allows for the creation of multiple microenvironments, particularly attractive for regenerating complex tissues. While many regenerative materials have been developed and tested for augmentation of specific cellular responses, the intersection between cell biology and material interactions have been difficult to dissect due to the complexity of both physical and chemical interactions. Specifically, modulating materials to target individual signaling pathways is an avenue of interdisciplinary research that may lead to a more effective method of optimizing regenerative materials. In this work, the aim is to summarize the major mechanotransduction pathways for osteogenic differentiation and to consolidate the known materials and material properties that activate such pathways.

Pivotal role of the transcriptional co-activator YAP in trophoblast stemness of the developing human placenta

Various pregnancy complications, such as severe forms of preeclampsia or intrauterine growth restriction, are thought to arise from failures in the differentiation of human placental trophoblasts. Progenitors of the latter either develop into invasive extravillous trophoblasts, remodeling the uterine vasculature, or fuse into multinuclear syncytiotrophoblasts transporting oxygen and nutrients to the growing fetus. However, key regulatory factors controlling trophoblast self-renewal and differentiation have been poorly elucidated. Using primary cells, three-dimensional organoids, and CRISPR-Cas9 genome-edited JEG-3 clones, we herein show that YAP, the transcriptional coactivator of the Hippo signaling pathway, promotes maintenance of cytotrophoblast progenitors by different genomic mechanisms. Genetic or chemical manipulation of YAP in these cellular models revealed that it stimulates proliferation and expression of cell cycle regulators and stemness-associated genes, but inhibits cell fusion and production of syncytiotrophoblast (STB)-specific proteins, such as hCG and GDF15. Genome-wide comparisons of primary villous cytotrophoblasts overexpressing constitutively active YAP-5SA with YAP KO cells and syncytializing trophoblasts revealed common target genes involved in trophoblast stemness and differentiation. ChIP-qPCR unraveled that YAP-5SA overexpression increased binding of YAP-TEAD4 complexes to promoters of proliferation-associated genes such as CCNA and CDK6 Moreover, repressive YAP-TEAD4 complexes containing the histone methyltransferase EZH2 were detected in the genomic regions of the STB-specific CGB5 and CGB7 genes. In summary, YAP plays a pivotal role in the maintenance of the human placental trophoblast epithelium. Besides activating stemness factors, it also directly represses genes promoting trophoblast cell fusion.

Androgen attenuates the inactivating phospho-Ser-127 modification of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) and promotes YAP1 nuclear abundance and activity

The transcriptional coactivator YAP1 (yes-associated protein 1) regulates cell proliferation, cell-cell interactions, organ size, and tumorigenesis. Post-transcriptional modifications and nuclear translocation of YAP1 are crucial for its nuclear activity. The objective of this study was to elucidate the mechanism by which the steroid hormone androgen regulates YAP1 nuclear entry and functions in several human prostate cancer cell lines. We demonstrate that androgen exposure suppresses the inactivating post-translational modification phospho-Ser-127 in YAP1, coinciding with increased YAP1 nuclear accumulation and activity. Pharmacological and genetic experiments revealed that intact androgen receptor signaling is necessary for androgen's inactivating effect on phospho-Ser-127 levels and increased YAP1 nuclear entry. We also found that androgen exposure antagonizes Ser/Thr kinase 4 (STK4/MST1) signaling, stimulates the activity of protein phosphatase 2A, and thereby attenuates the phospho-Ser-127 modification and promotes YAP1 nuclear localization. Results from quantitative RT-PCR and CRISPR/Cas9-aided gene knockout experiments indicated that androgen differentially regulates YAP1-dependent gene expression. Furthermore, an unbiased computational analysis of the prostate cancer data from The Cancer Genome Atlas revealed that YAP1 and androgen receptor transcript levels correlate with each other in prostate cancer tissues. These findings indicate that androgen regulates YAP1 nuclear localization and its transcriptional activity through the androgen receptor-STK4/MST1-protein phosphatase 2A axis, which may have important implications for human diseases such as prostate cancer.

Protein painting, an optimized MS-based technique, reveals functionally relevant interfaces of the PD-1/PD-L1 complex and the YAP2/ZO-1 complex

Protein-protein interactions lie at the heart of many biological processes and therefore represent promising drug targets. Despite this opportunity, identification of protein-protein interfaces remains challenging. We have previously developed a method that relies on coating protein surfaces with small-molecule dyes to discriminate between solvent-accessible protein surfaces and hidden interface regions. Dye-bound, solvent-accessible protein regions resist trypsin digestion, whereas hidden interface regions are revealed by denaturation and sequenced by MS. The small-molecule dyes bind promiscuously and with high affinity, but their binding mechanism is unknown. Here, we report on the optimization of a novel dye probe used in protein painting, Fast Blue B + naphthionic acid, and show that its affinity for proteins strongly depends on hydrophobic moieties that we call here "hydrophobic clamps." We demonstrate the utility of this probe by sequencing the protein-protein interaction regions between the Hippo pathway protein Yes-associated protein 2 (YAP2) and tight junction protein 1 (TJP1 or ZO-1), uncovering interactions via the known binding domain as well as ZO-1's MAGUK domain and YAP's N-terminal proline-rich domain. Additionally, we demonstrate how residues predicted by protein painting are present exclusively in the complex interface and how these residues may guide the development of peptide inhibitors using a case study of programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and programmed cell death 1 ligand 1 (PD-L1). Inhibitors designed around the PD-1/PD-L1 interface regions identified via protein painting effectively disrupted complex formation, with the most potent inhibitor having an IC₅₀ of 5 μm.

Substrate mechanics controls adipogenesis through YAP phosphorylation by dictating cell spreading

The mechanoregulated proteins YAP/TAZ are involved in the adipogenic/osteogenic switch of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs). MSC fate decision can be unbalanced by controlling substrate mechanics, in turn altering the transmission of tension through cell cytoskeleton. MSCs have been proposed for orthopedic and reconstructive surgery applications. Thus, a tight control of their adipogenic potential is required in order to avoid their drifting towards fat tissue. Substrate mechanics has been shown to drive MSC commitment and to regulate YAP/TAZ protein shuttling and turnover. The mechanism by which YAP/TAZ co-transcriptional activity is mechanically regulated during MSC fate acquisition is still debated. Here, we design few bioengineering tools suited to disentangle the contribution of mechanical from biological stimuli to MSC adipogenesis. We demonstrate that the mechanical repression of YAP happens through its phosphorylation, is purely mediated by cell spreading downstream of substrate mechanics as dictated by dimensionality. YAP repression is sufficient to prompt MSC adipogenesis, regardless of a permissive biological environment, TEAD nuclear presence or focal adhesion stabilization. Finally, by harnessing the potential of YAP mechanical regulation, we propose a practical example of the exploitation of adipogenic transdifferentiation in tumors.

WW Domain-Containing Proteins YAP and TAZ in the Hippo Pathway as Key Regulators in Stemness Maintenance, Tissue Homeostasis, and Tumorigenesis

The Hippo pathway is a conserved signaling pathway originally defined in Drosophila melanogaster two decades ago. Deregulation of the Hippo pathway leads to significant overgrowth in phenotypes and ultimately initiation of tumorigenesis in various tissues. The major WW domain proteins in the Hippo pathway are YAP and TAZ, which regulate embryonic development, organ growth, tissue regeneration, stem cell pluripotency, and tumorigenesis. Recent reports reveal the novel roles of YAP/TAZ in establishing the precise balance of stem cell niches, promoting the production of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), and provoking signals for regeneration and cancer initiation. Activation of YAP/TAZ, for example, results in the expansion of progenitor cells, which promotes regeneration after tissue damage. YAP is highly expressed in self-renewing pluripotent stem cells. Overexpression of YAP halts stem cell differentiation and yet maintains the inherent stem cell properties. A success in reprograming iPSCs by the transfection of cells with Oct3/4, Sox2, and Yap expression constructs has recently been shown. In this review, we update the current knowledge and the latest progress in the WW domain proteins of the Hippo pathway in relevance to stem cell biology, and provide a thorough understanding in the tissue homeostasis and identification of potential targets to block tumor development. We also provide the regulatory role of tumor suppressor WWOX in the upstream of TGF-β, Hyal-2, and Wnt signaling that cross talks with the Hippo pathway.

YAPping about and not forgetting TAZ

The Hippo pathway has emerged as a major eukaryotic signalling pathway and is increasingly the subject of intense interest, as are the key effectors of canonical Hippo signalling, YES-associated protein (YAP) and TAZ. The Hippo pathway has key roles in diverse biological processes, including network signalling regulation, development, organ growth, tissue repair and regeneration, cancer, stem cell regulation and mechanotransduction. YAP and TAZ are multidomain proteins and function as transcriptional coactivators of key genes to evoke their biological effects. YAP and TAZ interact with numerous partners and their activities are controlled by a complex set of processes. This review provides an overview of Hippo signalling and its role in growth. In particular, the functional domains of YAP and TAZ and the complex mechanisms that regulate their protein stability and activity are discussed. Notably, the similarities and key differences are highlighted between the two paralogues including which partner proteins interact with which functional domains to regulate their activity.

Enigma proteins regulate YAP mechanotransduction

Human cells can sense mechanical stress acting upon integrin adhesions and respond by sending the YAP (also known as YAP1) and TAZ (also known as WWTR1) transcriptional co-activators to the nucleus to drive TEAD-dependent transcription of target genes. How integrin signaling activates YAP remains unclear. Here, we show that integrin-mediated mechanotransduction requires the Enigma and Enigma-like proteins (PDLIM7 and PDLIM5, respectively; denoted for the family of PDZ and LIM domain-containing proteins). YAP binds to PDLIM5 and PDLIM7 (hereafter PDLIM5/7) via its C-terminal PDZ-binding motif (PBM), which is essential for full nuclear localization and activity of YAP. Accordingly, silencing of PDLIM5/7 expression reduces YAP nuclear localization, tyrosine phosphorylation and transcriptional activity. The PDLIM5/7 proteins are recruited from the cytoplasm to integrin adhesions and F-actin stress fibers in response to force by binding directly to the key stress fiber component α-actinin. Thus, forces acting on integrins recruit Enigma family proteins to trigger YAP activation during mechanotransduction.This article has an associated First Person interview with the first author of the paper.

Cellular Mechanotransduction: From Tension to Function

Living cells are constantly exposed to mechanical stimuli arising from the surrounding extracellular matrix (ECM) or from neighboring cells. The intracellular molecular processes through which such physical cues are transformed into a biological response are collectively dubbed as mechanotransduction and are of fundamental importance to help the cell timely adapt to the continuous dynamic modifications of the microenvironment. Local changes in ECM composition and mechanics are driven by a feed forward interplay between the cell and the matrix itself, with the first depositing ECM proteins that in turn will impact on the surrounding cells. As such, these changes occur regularly during tissue development and are a hallmark of the pathologies of aging. Only lately, though, the importance of mechanical cues in controlling cell function (e.g., proliferation, differentiation, migration) has been acknowledged. Here we provide a critical review of the recent insights into the molecular basis of cellular mechanotransduction, by analyzing how mechanical stimuli get transformed into a given biological response through the activation of a peculiar genetic program. Specifically, by recapitulating the processes involved in the interpretation of ECM remodeling by Focal Adhesions at cell-matrix interphase, we revise the role of cytoskeleton tension as the second messenger of the mechanotransduction process and the action of mechano-responsive shuttling proteins converging on stage and cell-specific transcription factors. Finally, we give few paradigmatic examples highlighting the emerging role of malfunctions in cell mechanosensing apparatus in the onset and progression of pathologies.

Multifaceted regulation and functions of YAP/TAZ in tumors (Review)

The Hippo pathway, initially identified through screenings for mutant tumor suppressors in Drosophila, is an evolutionarily conserved signaling pathway that controls organ size by regulating cell proliferation and apoptosis. Abnormal regulation of the Hippo pathway may lead to cancer in mammals. As the major downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway, unphosphorylated Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its homolog transcriptional co-activator TAZ (also called WWTR1) (hereafter called YAP/TAZ) are translocated into the nucleus. In the nucleus, in order to induce target gene expression, YAP/TAZ bind to the TEA domain (TEAD) proteins, and this binding subsequently promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis. In contrast, as key regulators of tumorigenesis and development, YAP/TAZ are phosphorylated and regulated by multiple molecules and pathways including Lats1/2 of Hippo, Wnt and G-protein-coupled receptor (GPCR) signaling, with a regulatory role in cell physiology, tumor cell development and pathological abnormalities simultaneously. In particular, the crucial role of YAP/TAZ in tumors ensures their potential as targets in designing anticancer drugs. To date, mounting research has elucidated the suppression of YAP/TAZ via effective inhibitors, which significantly highlights their application in cancer treatment. In the present review, we focus on the functions of YAP/TAZ in cancer, discuss their potential as new therapeutic target for tumor treatment, and provide valuable suggestions for further study in this field.

The forces and fates of extruding cells

Cell extrusion drives most epithelial cell death while maintaining a functional epithelial barrier. To extrude, a cell produces a lipid signal that triggers the neighboring cells to reorganize actin and myosin basally to squeeze the extruding cell out apically from the barrier. More studies continue to reveal other signals and mechanisms controlling apical extrusion. New developmental studies are uncovering mechanisms controlling basal extrusion, or ingression, which occurs when apical extrusion is defective or during de-differentiation in development. Here, we review recent advances in epithelial extrusion, focusing particularly on forces exerted upon extruding cells and their various later fates ranging from cell death, normal development, and cancer.

Alternative Splicing in the Hippo Pathway-Implications for Disease and Potential Therapeutic Targets

Alternative splicing is a well-studied gene regulatory mechanism that produces biological diversity by allowing the production of multiple protein isoforms from a single gene. An involvement of alternative splicing in the key biological signalling Hippo pathway is emerging and offers new therapeutic avenues. This review discusses examples of alternative splicing in the Hippo pathway, how deregulation of these processes may contribute to disease and whether these processes offer new potential therapeutic targets.

YAP1 regulates prostate cancer stem cell-like characteristics to promote castration resistant growth

Castration resistant prostate cancer (CRPC) is a stage of relapse that arises after various forms of androgen ablation therapy (ADT) and causes significant morbidity and mortality. However, the mechanism underlying progression to CRPC remains poorly understood. Here, we report that YAP1, which is negatively regulated by AR, influences prostate cancer (PCa) cell self-renewal and CRPC development. Specifically, we found that AR directly regulates the methylation of YAP1 gene promoter via the formation of a complex with Polycomb group protein EZH2 and DNMT3a. In normal conditions, AR recruits EZH2 and DNMT3a to YAP1 promoter, thereby promoting DNA methylation and the repression of YAP1 gene transcription. Following ADT treatment or when AR activity is antagonized by Bicalutamide or Enzalutamide, YAP1 gene expression is switched on. In turn, YAP1 promotes SOX2 and Nanog expression and the de-differentiation of PCa cells to stem/progenitor-like cells (PCSC), which potentially contribute to disease recurrence. Finally, the knock down of YAP1 expression or the inhibition of YAP1 function by Verteporfin in TRAMP prostate cancer mice significantly suppresses tumor recurrence following castration. In conclusion, our data reveals that AR suppresses YAP1 gene expression through a novel epigenetic mechanism, which is critical for PCa cells self-renewal and the development of CRPC.

YAP regulates cell mechanics by controlling focal adhesion assembly

Hippo effectors YAP/TAZ act as on–off mechanosensing switches by sensing modifications in extracellular matrix (ECM) composition and mechanics. The regulation of their activity has been described by a hierarchical model in which elements of Hippo pathway are under the control of focal adhesions (FAs). Here we unveil the molecular mechanism by which cell spreading and RhoA GTPase activity control FA formation through YAP to stabilize the anchorage of the actin cytoskeleton to the cell membrane. This mechanism requires YAP co-transcriptional function and involves the activation of genes encoding for integrins and FA docking proteins. Tuning YAP transcriptional activity leads to the modification of cell mechanics, force development and adhesion strength, and determines cell shape, migration and differentiation. These results provide new insights into the mechanism of YAP mechanosensing activity and qualify this Hippo effector as the key determinant of cell mechanics in response to ECM cues.

The transcriptional co-activator YAP is known to operate downstream of mechanical signals arising from the cell niche. Here the authors demonstrate that YAP controls cell mechanics, force development and adhesion strength by promoting the transcription of genes related to focal adhesions.

Dual function of partitioning-defective 3 in the regulation of YAP phosphorylation and activation

Partitioning-defective 3 (Par3), a key component of the evolutionarily conserved polarity PAR complex (Par3/Par6/aPKC), controls cell polarity and contributes to cell migration, proliferation and tumor development. Emerging evidence indicates that cell polarity proteins function as upstream modulators that regulate the Hippo pathway. However, little is known about Par3’s involvement in the Hippo pathway. Here, we find Par3 and YAP dynamically co-localize in different subcellular compartments; that is, the membrane, cytoplasm and nucleus, in a cell-density-dependent manner. Interestingly, Par3 knockdown promotes YAP phosphorylation, leading to a significant impairment of YAP nuclear translocation at low cell density, but not at high density, in MDCK cells. Furthermore, via its third PDZ domain, Par3 directly binds to the PDZ-binding motif of YAP. The interaction is required for regulating YAP phosphorylation and nuclear localization. Mechanistically, Par3, as a scaffold protein, associates with LATS1 and protein phosphatase 1, α subunit (PP1A) in the cytoplasm and nucleus. Par3 promotes the dephosphorylation of LATS1 and YAP, thus enhancing YAP activation and cell proliferation. Strikingly, we also find that under the condition of PP1A knockdown, Par3 expression promotes YAP hyperphosphorylation, leading to the suppression of YAP activity and its downstream targets. Par3 expression results in differential effects on YAP phosphorylation and activation in different tumor cell lines. These findings indicate that Par3 may have a dual role in regulating the activation of the Hippo pathway, in a manner possibly dependent on cellular context or cell type in response to cell–cell contact and cell polarity signals.

Splice variant insertions in the C-terminus impairs YAP's transactivation domain

The yes-associated protein (YAP) is a key effector of the mammalian Hippo signaling pathway. YAP has eight known alternately spliced isoforms and these are widely expressed across multiple tissues. Variable effects have been ascribed to different YAP isoforms by inducing their expression in cells, but whether these differences are due to variability in the transcriptional potency of individual YAP isoforms has not been addressed. Indeed a systematic comparison of the transcriptional potencies of YAP isoforms has not been done. To address this, using overexpression and transcriptional reporter analyses we investigated the transcriptional activities of several human YAP isoforms and determined the effects of the splice variant insertions within the transactivation domain on its transcriptional potency. Utilising full-length coding sequence constructs we determined that the number of WW domains and disruption of the leucine zipper motif within YAP’s transactivation domain both contribute to transcriptional activity. Notably, disruption of YAP’s leucine zipper had a greater effect on transcriptional activity than the absence of the second WW domain. Using GAL4-YAP transcriptional activation domain fusion proteins we found that disruption of the leucine zipper significantly decreased YAP’s transcriptional activity in several cell lines. Our data indicates that expression of different YAP isoforms with varying transcriptional potencies may enable fine control of Hippo pathway signaling. Furthermore the specific isoform being utilised should be taken into consideration when interpreting published data or when designing experiments to ascribe YAP’s function.

•

Transcriptional activities of yes-associated protein (YAP) isoforms were compared.

•

YAP’s WW domains and leucine zipper motif both contribute to transcriptional activity.

•

Absence of YAP’s second WW domain weakens transcriptional potency.

•

Disruption of YAP’s leucine zipper weakens the transactivation domain (TAD).

•

Potency of the TAD from YAP α, β, γ, δ isoforms is cell-context dependent.

TAZ Protein Accumulation Is Negatively Regulated by YAP Abundance in Mammalian Cells

The mammalian Hippo signaling pathway regulates cell growth and survival and is frequently dysregulated in cancer. YAP and TAZ are transcriptional coactivators that function as effectors of this signaling pathway. Aberrant YAP and TAZ activity is reported in several human cancers, and normally the expression and nuclear localization of these proteins is tightly regulated. We sought to establish whether a direct relationship exists between YAP and TAZ. Using knockdown and overexpression experiments we show YAP inversely regulates the abundance of TAZ protein by proteasomal degradation. Interestingly this phenomenon was uni-directional since TAZ expression did not affect YAP abundance. Structure/function analyses suggest that YAP-induced TAZ degradation is a consequence of YAP-targeted gene transcription involving TEAD factors. Subsequent investigation of known regulators of TAZ degradation using specific inhibitors revealed a role for heat shock protein 90 and glycogen synthase kinase 3 but not casein kinase 1 nor LATS in YAP-mediated TAZ loss. Importantly, this phenomenon is conserved from mouse to human; however, interestingly, different YAP isoforms varied in their ability to degrade TAZ. Since shRNA-mediated TAZ depletion in HeLa and D645 cells caused apoptotic cell death, we propose that isoform-specific YAP-mediated TAZ degradation may contribute to the contradicting roles reported for YAP overexpression. This study identifies a novel mechanism of TAZ regulation by YAP, which has significant implications for our understanding of Hippo pathway regulation, YAP-isoform specific signaling, and the role of these proteins in cell proliferation, apoptosis, and tumorigenesis.

Sub-cellular localisation studies may spuriously detect the Yes-associated protein, YAP, in nucleoli leading to potentially invalid conclusions of its function

The Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a potent transcriptional co-activator that functions as a nuclear effector of the Hippo signaling pathway. YAP is oncogenic and its activity is linked to its cellular abundance and nuclear localisation. Activation of the Hippo pathway restricts YAP nuclear entry via its phosphorylation by Lats kinases and consequent cytoplasmic retention bound to 14-3-3 proteins. We examined YAP expression in liver progenitor cells (LPCs) and surprisingly found that transformed LPCs did not show an increase in YAP abundance compared to the non-transformed LPCs from which they were derived. We then sought to ascertain whether nuclear YAP was more abundant in transformed LPCs. We used an antibody that we confirmed was specific for YAP by immunoblotting to determine YAP’s sub-cellular localisation by immunofluorescence. This antibody showed diffuse staining for YAP within the cytosol and nuclei, but, noticeably, it showed intense staining of the nucleoli of LPCs. This staining was non-specific, as shRNA treatment of cells abolished YAP expression to undetectable levels by Western blot yet the nucleolar staining remained. Similar spurious YAP nucleolar staining was also seen in mouse embryonic fibroblasts and mouse liver tissue, indicating that this antibody is unsuitable for immunological applications to determine YAP sub-cellular localisation in mouse cells or tissues. Interestingly nucleolar staining was not evident in D645 cells suggesting the antibody may be suitable for use in human cells. Given the large body of published work on YAP in recent years, many of which utilise this antibody, this study raises concerns regarding its use for determining sub-cellular localisation. From a broader perspective, it serves as a timely reminder of the need to perform appropriate controls to ensure the validity of published data.

YAP/TAZ for cancer therapy: opportunities and challenges (review)

YAP (Yes-associated protein) and its paralog TAZ (transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif) are the main downstream effectors of the Hippo signaling pathway. This pathway is an evolutionally conserved signal cascade, which plays pivotal roles in organ size control and tumorigenesis from Drosophila to mammals. Functionally, when the Hippo pathway is activated, YAP and TAZ will be sequestered in the cytoplasm and degraded. Conversely, when the Hippo pathway is deactivated, YAP and TAZ will translocate into nucleus and promote transcription of downstream genes by forming complexes with transcription factors, such as transcriptional enhancer factors (TEF; also referred to as TEAD), runt-domain transcription factors (Runx) and others. Most of these transcription factors belong to growth promoting or apoptosis-inhibition genes. It has been reported that the deactivation of the Hippo pathway, as well as up-regulation of YAP and TAZ was observed in many human cancers with a high frequency, which suggests that the Hippo pathway may be a potent target for developing anticancer drugs. In this review, we provide an overview of the Hippo pathway and summarize recent advances with respect to the role of YAP and TAZ in Hippo signaling pathway and cancer development. Furthermore, we describe the opportunities and challenges for exploit YAP and TAZ as potential therapeutic targets in cancer.

YAP-mediated induction of monoacylglycerol lipase restrains oncogenic transformation

The Hippo pathway is an evolutionarily conserved regulator of normal and oncogenic growth. Engagement of Hippo pathway signaling results in the inactivation of the transcriptional coactivator YAP by preventing its nuclear entry. The mechanisms underlying the oncogenic properties of YAP remain incompletely understood. Here we find that although the transactivation (TA) domain of YAP mediates YAP-dependent gene expression, it serves as an inhibitor of YAP-mediated anchorage-independent growth. We identify monoacylglycerol lipase (MAGL) as a YAP transcriptional target and an inhibitor of anchorage-dependent cell growth. Significantly, knockdown of MAGL expression leads to the augmentation of YAP-dependent cell transformation. Our results identify MAGL as a transcriptional target of YAP that restrains YAP-mediated cellular transformation.

Role of LPA and the Hippo pathway on apoptosis in salivary gland epithelial cells

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a bioactive lysophospholipid involved in numerous physiological responses. However, the expression of LPA receptors and the role of the Hippo signaling pathway in epithelial cells have remained elusive. In this experiment, we studied the functional expression of LPA receptors and the associated signaling pathway using reverse transcriptase–PCR, microspectrofluorimetry, western blotting and immunocytochemistry in salivary gland epithelial cells. We found that LPA receptors are functionally expressed and involved in activating the Hippo pathway mediated by YAP/TAZ through Lats/Mob1 and RhoA/ROCK. Upregulation of YAP/TAZ-dependent target genes, including CTGF, ANKRD1 and CYR61, has also been observed in LPA-treated cells. In addition, based on data suggesting that tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α induces cell apoptosis, LPA upregulates TNF-induced caspase-3 and cleaved Poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP). However, small interfering RNA treatment to Yes-associated protein (YAP) or transcriptional co-activator with a PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) significantly decreased TNF-α- and LPA-induced apoptosis, suggesting that YAP and TAZ modulate the apoptotic pathway in salivary epithelial cells.

Tight junctions and the regulation of gene expression

Tight junctions (TJ) regulate the paracellular passage of ions and molecules through the paracellular pathway and maintain plasma membrane polarity in epithelial and endothelial cells. Apart from these canonical functions, several proteins of the TJ have been found in recent years to regulate gene expression. This function is found in proteins that shuttle between the nucleus and TJs, and in integral TJ proteins. In this review, we will describe these proteins and their known mechanisms of gene regulation.

KRAS and YAP1 converge to regulate EMT and tumor survival

Cancer cells that express oncogenic alleles of RAS typically require sustained expression of the mutant allele for survival, but the molecular basis of this oncogene dependency remains incompletely understood. To identify genes that can functionally substitute for oncogenic RAS, we systematically expressed 15,294 open reading frames in a human KRAS-dependent colon cancer cell line engineered to express an inducible KRAS-specific shRNA. We found 147 genes that promoted survival upon KRAS suppression. In particular, the transcriptional coactivator YAP1 rescued cell viability in KRAS-dependent cells upon suppression of KRAS and was required for KRAS-induced cell transformation. Acquired resistance to Kras suppression in a Kras-driven murine lung cancer model also involved increased YAP1 signaling. KRAS and YAP1 converge on the transcription factor FOS and activate a transcriptional program involved in regulating the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Together, these findings implicate transcriptional regulation of EMT by YAP1 as a significant component of oncogenic RAS signaling.

Beyond cell-cell adhesion: Emerging roles of the tight junction scaffold ZO-2

Zonula occludens proteins (ZO-1, ZO-2, ZO-3), which belong to the family of membrane-associated guanylate kinase (MAGUK) homologs, serve as molecular hubs for the assembly of multi-protein networks at the cytoplasmic surface of intercellular contacts in epithelial and endothelial cells. These multi-PDZ proteins exert crucial functions in the structural organization of intercellular contacts and in transducing intracellular signals from the plasma membrane to the nucleus. The junctional MAGUK protein ZO-2 not only associates with the C-terminal PDZ-binding motif of various transmembrane junctional proteins but also transiently targets to the nucleus and interacts with a number of nuclear proteins, thereby modulating gene expression and cell proliferation. Recent evidence suggests that ZO-2 is also involved in stress response and cytoprotective mechanisms, which further highlights the multi-faceted nature of this PDZ domain-containing protein.

This review focuses on ZO-2 acting as a molecular scaffold at the cytoplasmic aspect of tight junctions and within the nucleus and discusses additional aspects of its cellular activities. The multitude of proteins interacting with ZO-2 and the heterogeneity of proteins either influencing or being influenced by ZO-2 suggests an exceptional functional capacity of this protein far beyond merely serving as a structural component of cellular junctions.

The Hippo pathway effectors TAZ and YAP in development, homeostasis and disease

Studies over the past 20 years have defined the Hippo signaling pathway as a major regulator of tissue growth and organ size. Diverse roles for the Hippo pathway have emerged, the majority of which in vertebrates are determined by the transcriptional regulators TAZ and YAP (TAZ/YAP). Key processes regulated by TAZ/YAP include the control of cell proliferation, apoptosis, movement and fate. Accurate control of the levels and localization of these factors is thus essential for early developmental events, as well as for tissue homeostasis, repair and regeneration. Recent studies have revealed that TAZ/YAP activity is regulated by mechanical and cytoskeletal cues as well as by various extracellular factors. Here, I provide an overview of these and other regulatory mechanisms and outline important developmental processes controlled by TAZ and YAP.

gga-miR-375 plays a key role in tumorigenesis post subgroup J avian leukosis virus infection

Avian leukosis is a neoplastic disease caused in part by subgroup J avian leukosis virus J (ALV-J). Micro ribonucleic acids (miRNAs) play pivotal oncogenic and tumour-suppressor roles in tumour development and progression. However, little is known about the potential role of miRNAs in avian leukosis tumours. We have found a novel tumour-suppressor miRNA, gga-miR-375, associated with avian leukosis tumorigenesis by miRNA microarray in a previous report. We have also previously studied the biological function of gga-miR-375; Overexpression of gga-miR-375 significantly inhibited DF-1 cell proliferation, and significantly reduced the expression of yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) by repressing the activity of a luciferase reporter carrying the 3'-untranslated region of YAP1. This indicates that gga-miR-375 is frequently downregulated in avian leukosis by inhibiting cell proliferation through YAP1 oncogene targeting. Overexpression of gga-miR-375 markedly promoted serum starvation induced apoptosis, and there may be the reason why the tumour cycle is so long in the infected chickens. In vivo assays, gga-miR-375 was significantly downregulated in chicken livers 20 days after infection with ALV-J, and YAP1 was significantly upregulated 20 days after ALV-J infection (P<0.05). We also found that expression of cyclin E, an important regulator of cell cycle progression, was significantly upregulated (P<0.05). Drosophila inhibitor of apoptosis protein 1 (DIAP1), which is related to caspase-dependent apoptosis, was also significantly upregulated after infection. Our data suggests that gga-miR-375 may function as a tumour suppressor thereby regulating cancer cell proliferation and it plays a key role in avian leukosis tumorigenesis.

The PDZ-binding motif of Yes-associated protein is required for its co-activation of TEAD-mediated CTGF transcription and oncogenic cell transforming activity

YAP is a transcriptional co-activator that acts downstream of the Hippo signaling pathway and regulates multiple cellular processes, including proliferation. Hippo pathway-dependent phosphorylation of YAP negatively regulates its function. Conversely, attenuation of Hippo-mediated phosphorylation of YAP increases its ability to stimulate proliferation and eventually induces oncogenic transformation. The C-terminus of YAP contains a highly conserved PDZ-binding motif that regulates YAP's functions in multiple ways. However, to date, the importance of the PDZ-binding motif to the oncogenic cell transforming activity of YAP has not been determined. In this study, we disrupted the PDZ-binding motif in the YAP (5SA) protein, in which the sites normally targeted by Hippo pathway-dependent phosphorylation are mutated. We found that loss of the PDZ-binding motif significantly inhibited the oncogenic transformation of cultured cells induced by YAP (5SA). In addition, the increased nuclear localization of YAP (5SA) and its enhanced activation of TEAD-dependent transcription of the cell proliferation gene CTGF were strongly reduced when the PDZ-binding motif was deleted. Similarly, in mouse liver, deletion of the PDZ-binding motif suppressed nuclear localization of YAP (5SA) and YAP (5SA)-induced CTGF expression. Taken together, our results indicate that the PDZ-binding motif of YAP is critical for YAP-mediated oncogenesis, and that this effect is mediated by YAP's co-activation of TEAD-mediated CTGF transcription.

An evolutionary shift in the regulation of the Hippo pathway between mice and flies

The Hippo pathway plays a key role in controlling organ growth in many animal species and its deregulation is associated with different types of cancer. Understanding the regulation of the Hippo pathway and discovering upstream regulators is thus a major quest. Interestingly, while the core of the Hippo pathway contains a highly conserved kinase cascade, different components have been identified as upstream regulators in Drosophila and vertebrates. However, whether the regulation of the Hippo pathway is indeed different between Drosophila and vertebrates or whether these differences are due to our limited analysis of these components in different organisms is not known. Here we show that the mouse Fat4 cadherin, the ortholog of the Hippo pathway regulator Fat in Drosophila, does not apparently regulate the Hippo pathway in the murine liver. In fact, we uncovered an evolutionary shift in many of the known upstream regulators at the base of the arthropod lineage. In this evolutionary transition, Fat and the adaptor protein Expanded gained novel domains that connected them to the Hippo pathway, whereas the cell-adhesion receptor Echinoid evolved as a new protein. Subsequently, the junctional adaptor protein Angiomotin (Amot) was lost and the downstream effector Yap lost its PDZ-binding motif that interacts with cell junction proteins. We conclude that fundamental differences exist in the upstream regulatory mechanisms of Hippo signaling between Drosophila and vertebrates.

PML Surfs into HIPPO Tumor Suppressor Pathway

Growth arrest, inhibition of cell proliferation, apoptosis, senescence, and differentiation are the most characterized effects of a given tumor suppressor response. It is becoming increasingly clear that tumor suppression results from the integrated and synergistic activities of different pathways. This implies that tumor suppression includes linear, as well as lateral, crosstalk signaling. The latter may happen through the concomitant involvement of common nodal proteins. Here, we discuss the role of Promyelocytic leukemia protein (PML) in functional cross-talks with the HIPPO and the p53 family tumor suppressor pathways. PML, in addition to its own anti-tumor activity, contributes to the assembly of an integrated and superior network that may be necessary for the maximization of the tumor suppressor response to diverse oncogenic insults.

The Hippo pathway: key interaction and catalytic domains in organ growth control, stem cell self-renewal and tissue regeneration

The Hippo pathway is a conserved pathway that interconnects with several other pathways to regulate organ growth, tissue homoeostasis and regeneration, and stem cell self-renewal. This pathway is unique in its capacity to orchestrate multiple processes, from sensing to execution, necessary for organ expansion. Activation of the Hippo pathway core kinase cassette leads to cytoplasmic sequestration of the nuclear effectors YAP (Yes-associated protein) and TAZ (transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif), consequently disabling their transcriptional co-activation function. Components upstream of the core kinase cassette have not been well understood, especially in vertebrates, but are gradually being elucidated and include cell polarity and cell adhesion proteins.

YAP promotes breast cell proliferation and survival partially through stabilizing the KLF5 transcription factor

The Yes-associated protein (YAP), an oncoprotein in the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway, regulates tumorigenesis and has been found in a variety of tumors, including breast, ovarian, and hepatocellular cancers. Although YAP functions through its WW domains, the YAP WW domain-binding partners have not yet been completely determined. With this study, we demonstrate that YAP functions partially through its binding to KLF5, a transcription factor that promotes breast cell proliferation and survival. YAP interacted with the KLF5 PY motif through its WW domains, preventing the E3 ubiquitin ligase WWP1 from ubiquitinating KLF5. Overexpression of the wild-type YAP but not the WW domain-mutated YAP up-regulated KLF5 protein levels and mRNA expression levels of KLF5 downstream target genes, including FGFBP1 (alias FGF-BP) and ITGB2. In addition, knockdown of YAP decreased expression levels of KLF5, FGF-BP, and ITGB2. Depletion of either YAP or KLF5 decreased breast cell proliferation and survival in MCF10A and SW527 breast cell lines, and stable knockdown of either YAP or KLF5 suppressed SW527 xenograft growth in mice. The YAP upstream kinase LATS1 suppressed the KLF5-FGF-BP axis, as well as cell growth through YAP signaling. Both YAP and KLF5 are coexpressed in estrogen receptor ERα-negative breast cell lines. These findings suggest that KLF5 could be an important transcription factor partner for YAP and may contribute to the Hippo pathway.

The Hippo pathway target, YAP, promotes metastasis through its TEAD-interaction domain

The transcriptional coactivator Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a major regulator of organ size and proliferation in vertebrates. As such, YAP can act as an oncogene in several tissue types if its activity is increased aberrantly. Although no activating mutations in the yap1 gene have been identified in human cancer, yap1 is located on the 11q22 amplicon, which is amplified in several human tumors. In addition, mutations or epigenetic silencing of members of the Hippo pathway, which represses YAP function, have been identified in human cancers. Here we demonstrate that, in addition to increasing tumor growth, increased YAP activity is potently prometastatic in breast cancer and melanoma cells. Using a Luminex-based approach to multiplex in vivo assays, we determined that the domain of YAP that interacts with the TEAD/TEF family of transcription factors but not the WW domains or PDZ-binding motif, is essential for YAP-mediated tumor growth and metastasis. We further demonstrate that, through its TEAD-interaction domain, YAP enhances multiple processes known to be important for tumor progression and metastasis, including cellular proliferation, transformation, migration, and invasion. Finally, we found that the metastatic potential of breast cancer and melanoma cells is strongly correlated with increased TEAD transcriptional activity. Together, our results suggest that increased YAP/TEAD activity plays a causal role in cancer progression and metastasis.

Regulators of mammalian Hippo pathway in cancer

Hippo pathway, originally discovered in Drosophila, is responsible for organ size control. The pathway is conserved in mammals and has a significant role in restraining cancer development. Regulating the Hippo pathway thus represents a potential therapeutic approach to treat cancer, which however requires deep understanding of the targeted pathway. Despite our limited knowledge on the pathway, there are increasing discoveries of new molecules that regulate and modulate the Hippo downstream signaling particularly in various solid malignancies, from extracellular stimuli or via pathway crosstalk. Herein, we discuss the roles of newly identified and key regulators that connect with core components (MST1/2, LATS1/2, SAV1, and MOB1) and downstream effector (YAP) in the Hippo pathway having an important role in cancer development and progression. Understanding of the mammalian Hippo pathway regulation may shed new insights to allow us selecting the right oncogenic targets and designing effective drugs for cancer treatments.