YAP: at the crossroad between transformation and tumor suppression.
Yap is a small protein that binds to many transcription factors and modulates their activity. Yap was described to increase the ability of p73 in inducing apoptosis as a consequence of damage to the DNA, and therefore its activity was thought to favor tumor-suppression. However, other studies have recently shown a role for Yap in cell differentiation, cell transformation and in the regulation of organ size. It has been demonstrated that the Drosophila Hippo pathway has a mammalian equivalent, and that Yap is part of this pathway, where it might stimulate proliferation. In light of these new findings we ought to re-consider the role of Yap, which seems to be in service of several masters, and whose regulation--likely at the level of PTM--and cellular context might have a pivotal role in the choice of its partners and consequently on the final outcome.
Bertini
Efrem
E
Rome Oncogenomic Center, Translational Oncogenomic Unit-Lab.B, Regina Elena Cancer Institute, Via Elio Chianesi 53, Rome, Italy.
Oka
Tsutomu
T
Sudol
Marius
M
Strano
Sabrina
S
Blandino
Giovanni
G
D000818:Animals; D017209:Apoptosis; D002454:Cell Differentiation; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000378:metabolism*; D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D009687:Nuclear Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D010750:Phosphoproteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000378:metabolism*; D000072160:Tumor Protein p73; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins / Q000378:metabolism*
D004268:DNA-Binding Proteins; D009687:Nuclear Proteins; D010750:Phosphoproteins; C000606460:TP73 protein, human; D000072160:Tumor Protein p73; D025521:Tumor Suppressor Proteins