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.

Palabras clave

YAP/TAZ, Hippo signaling pathway, carcinogenesis, Tumor microenvironment, neoplastic stem cells, cell proliferation, drug resistance, chemoresistance, immunotherapy

Citación

Ortega, Á.; Vera, I.; Diaz, M.P.; Navarro, C.; Rojas, M.; Torres, W.; Parra, H.; Salazar, J.; Sanctis, J.B.D.; Bermúdez, V. The YAP/TAZ Signaling Pathway in the Tumor Microenvironment and Carcinogenesis: Current Knowledge and Therapeutic Promises. Int. J. Mol. Sci. 2022, 23, 430. https://doi.org/ 10.3390/ijms23010430