Increased <i>YAP1</i> Expression is Significantly Associated with Breast Cancer Progression, Metastasis and Poor Survival
Javeria Qadir, Syeda Kiran Riaz, Kiran Taj, Natasha Sattar, Namood-e Sahar, Jahangir Sarwar Khan, Mahmood Akhtar Kayani, Farhan Haq, Muhammad Faraz Arshad Malik
Abstract
YAP1 plays a key role as a transcriptional coactivator in the Hippo pathway. Based on conflicting reports regarding YAP1 function in cancer, this study discerned its role in breast carcinogenesis. First, a systematic review of salient breast cancer studies targeting YAP1 dysregulation was performed. Additionally, freshly excised tumor specimens of approximately 200 breast cancer patients were processed for quantification of YAP1 expression at mRNA and protein levels using quantitative PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. YAP1 expression was nine folds higher in tumors versus controls and significantly associated with metastasis (p < 0.05) and poor survival in Pakistani breast cancer patients. These findings establish the role of YAP1 overexpression in tumorigenesis and metastasis. Hence, YAP1 inhibition may be considered a possible therapeutic strategy.