YAP/TAZ as mechanosensors and mechanotransducers in regulating organ size and tumor growth. Issue 16 (18th April 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Low, Boon Chuan; Pan, Catherine Qiurong; Shivashankar, G.V.; Bershadsky, Alexander; Sudol, Marius; Sheetz, Michael
• Is Part Of: FEBS letters. Volume 588:Issue 16(2014)
• Page Start: 2663
• Page End: 2670
• Publication Date: 2014-04-18
• Subjects: YAP/TAZ -- Hippo tumor suppressor -- Mechanosensor -- Mechanotransducer -- Organ size; Biochemistry -- Periodicals; Biophysics -- Periodicals; Molecular biology -- Periodicals; Biochimie -- Périodiques; Biochemistry; Biophysics; Molecular biology; Periodicals; 572.05
• DOI: 10.1016/j.febslet.2014.04.012
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0014-5793

Abstract

Abstract : Organ size is controlled by the concerted action of biochemical and physical processes. Although mechanical forces are known to regulate cell and tissue behavior, as well as organogenesis, the precise molecular events that integrate mechanical and biochemical signals to control these processes are not fully known. The recently delineated Hippo‐tumor suppressor network and its two nuclear effectors, YAP and TAZ, shed light on these mechanisms. YAP and TAZ are proto‐oncogene proteins that respond to complex physical milieu represented by the rigidity of the extracellular matrix, cell geometry, cell density, cell polarity and the status of the actin cytoskeleton. Here, we review the current knowledge of how YAP and TAZ function as mechanosensors and mechanotransducers. We also suggest that by deciphering the mechanical and biochemical signals controlling YAP/TAZ function, we will gain insights into new strategies for cancer treatment and organ regeneration.