Context-dependent roles of YAP/TAZ in stem cell fates and cancer
Lucy LeBlanc, Nereida Ramirez, Jonghwan Kim
Abstract
Hippo effectors YAP and TAZ control cell fate and survival through various mechanisms, including transcriptional regulation of key genes. However, much of this research has been marked by conflicting results, as well as controversy over whether YAP and TAZ are redundant. A substantial portion of the discordance stems from their contradictory roles in stem cell self-renewal vs. differentiation and cancer cell survival vs. apoptosis. In this review, we present an overview of the multiple context-dependent functions of YAP and TAZ in regulating cell fate decisions in stem cells and organoids, as well as their mechanisms of controlling programmed cell death pathways in cancer.
Topics & Concepts
Hippo signaling pathwayCell fate determinationBiologyCell biologyContext (archaeology)EffectorStem cellCancer stem cellProgrammed cell deathCellCancer researchApoptosisTranscription factorGeneGeneticsPaleontologyHippo pathway signaling and YAP/TAZ