The YAP/TAZ Signaling Pathway in the Tumor Microenvironment and Carcinogenesis: Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Promises

The yes-associated protein (YAP) and the transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are transcriptional coactivators, members of the Hippo signaling pathway, which play a critical role in cell growth regulation, embryonic development, regeneration, proliferation, and cancer origin and progression. The mechanism involves the nuclear binding of the un-phosphorylated YAP/TAZ complex to release the transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD) from its repressors. The active ternary complex is responsible for the aforementioned biological effects. Overexpression of YAP/TAZ has been reported in cancer stem cells and tumor resistance. The resistance involves chemotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy. This review provides an overview of YAP/TAZ pathways' role in carcinogenesis and tumor microenvironment. Potential therapeutic alternatives are also discussed.

Automated summary

Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are essential for cell growth regulation, embryonic development, regeneration, proliferation, and cancer. Their activation leads to the release of the transcriptional enhanced associate domain (TEAD) from its repressors, resulting in various biological effects. Overexpression of YAP/TAZ is associated with cancer stem cells and tumor resistance.