Yap/Taz transcriptional activity is essential for vascular regression via Ctgf expression and actin polymerization

Regulation of Tumor Microenvironment through YAP/TAZ under Tumor Hypoxia

In solid tumors such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), hypoxia is one of the important mechanisms of cancer development that closely influences cancer development, survival, and metastasis. The development of treatments for cancer was temporarily revolutionized by immunotherapy but continues to be constrained by limited response rates and the resistance and high costs required for the development of new and innovative strategies. In particular, solid tumors, including HCC, a multi-vascular tumor type, are sensitive to hypoxia and generate many blood vessels for metastasis and development, making it difficult to treat HCC, not only with immunotherapy but also with drugs targeting blood vessels. Therefore, in order to develop a treatment strategy for hypoxic tumors, various mechanisms must be explored and analyzed to treat these impregnable solid tumors. To date, tumor growth mechanisms linked to hypoxia are known to be complex and coexist with various signal pathways, but recently, mechanisms related to the Hippo signal pathway are emerging. Interestingly, Hippo YAP/TAZ, which appear during early tumor and normal tumor growth, and YAP/TAZ, which appear during hypoxia, help tumor growth and proliferation in different directions. Peculiarly, YAP/TAZ, which have different phosphorylation directions in the hypoxic environment of tumors, are involved in cancer proliferation and metastasis in various carcinomas, including HCC. Analyzing the mechanisms that regulate the function and expression of YAP in addition to HIF in the complex hypoxic environment of tumors may lead to a variety of anti-cancer strategies and combining HIF and YAP/TAZ may develop the potential to change the landscape of cancer treatment.

Validation of Signal Intensity Gradient from TOF-MRA for Wall Shear Stress by Phase-Contrast MR

To validate the correlation between the signal intensity gradient (SIG) from time-of-flight magnetic resonance angiography (TOF-MRA) and wall shear stress (WSS) determined by phase contrast magnetic resonance (PC-MR), we conducted both experimental and human studies. In the experimental study, we measured WSS in four tubes of different sizes with variable flow rates using PC-MR and TOF-MRA. The flow rates of water in the experimental study ranged from 0.06 to 12.75 mL/s, resulting in PC-WSS values between 0.1 and 1.6 dyne/cm2. The correlation between PC-WSS and SIG was statistically significant, showing a coefficient of 0.86 (P < 0.001, R2 = 0.75). The line fit provided the conversion equation as Y = 1.6287X - 1.1563 (Y = PC-WSS, X = SIG). For the human study, 28 subjects underwent TOF-MRA and PC-MR examinations of carotid and vertebral arteries. Arterial PC-WSS and SIG were determined in the same segment for each subject. The arterial PC-WSS ranged from 1.9 to 21.0 dyne/cm2. Both carotid and vertebral arteries showed significant correlations between PC-WSS and SIG, with coefficients of 0.85, 0.86, 0.91, and 0.81 in the right and left carotid and vertebral arteries, respectively. Our results show that SIG from TOF-MRA and SIG-WSS derived from the conversion equation provide concurrent in vivo hemodynamic information on arterial shear stress. This study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov with the identifier NCT04585971 on October 14, 2020.

Vasculature is getting Hip(po): Hippo signaling in vascular development and disease

The Hippo signaling pathway regulates developmental organ growth, regeneration, and cell fate decisions. Although the role of the Hippo pathway, and its transcriptional effectors YAP and TAZ, has been well documented in many cell types and species, only recently have the roles for this pathway come to light in vascular development and disease. Experiments in mice, zebrafish, and in vitro have uncovered roles for the Hippo pathway, YAP, and TAZ in vasculogenesis, angiogenesis, and lymphangiogenesis. In addition, the Hippo pathway has been implicated in vascular cancers and cardiovascular diseases, thus identifying it as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of these conditions. However, despite recent advances, Hippo's role in the vasculature is still underappreciated compared with its role in epithelial tissues. In this review, we appraise our current understanding of the Hippo pathway in blood and lymphatic vessel development and highlight the current knowledge gaps and opportunities for further research.

YAP Overexpression in Breast Cancer Cells Promotes Angiogenesis through Activating YAP Signaling in Vascular Endothelial Cells

Purpose. The YAP signaling pathway is altered and implicated as oncogenic in human mammary cancers. However, roles of YAP signaling that regulate the breast tumor angiogenesis have remained elusive. Tumor angiogenesis is coordinated by the activation of both cancer cells and vascular endothelial cells. Whether the YAP signaling pathway can regulate the intercellular interaction between cancer cells and endothelial cells is essentially unknown. Methods. The effects of YAP on tumor angiogenesis, migration, and proliferation of vascular endothelial cells were evaluated in vitro. Expression of proteins and phosphorylating proteins involved in YAP, G13-RhoA, and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways was evaluated using the Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and immunohistochemistry analysis. In addition, the effects of YAP on breast cancer angiogenesis were evaluated in vivo by tumor xenograft mice. Results. We showed here that conditioned media from YAP overexpressed breast cancer cells (CM-YAP+) could promote angiogenesis, accompanied by increased tube formation, migration, and proliferation of human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). Down regulation of YAP in HUVECs reversed CM-YAP+ induced angiogenesis. CM-YAP+ time-dependently activated YAP in HUVECs by dephosphorylating YAP and increasing nuclear translocation. We also identified that both G13-RhoA and PI3K/Akt signaling pathway were necessary for CM-YAP+ induced activation of YAP. Besides, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) acted as down-stream of YAP in HUVECs to promote angiogenesis. In addition, subcutaneous tumors nude mice model demonstrated that tumors overexpressed YAP revealed more neovascularization in vivo. Conclusion. YAP-YAP interaction between breast cancer cells and endothelial cells could promote tumor angiogenesis, supporting that YAP is a potential marker and target for developing novel therapeutic strategies against breast cancer.

Mechanosensitive expression of the mesenchymal subtype marker connective tissue growth factor in glioblastoma

Mechanical forces created by the extracellular environment regulate biochemical signals that modulate the inter-related cellular phenotypes of morphology, proliferation, and migration. A stiff microenvironment induces glioblastoma (GBM) cells to develop prominent actin stress fibres, take on a spread morphology and adopt trapezoid shapes, when cultured in 2D, which are phenotypes characteristic of a mesenchymal cell program. The mesenchymal subtype is the most aggressive among the molecular GBM subtypes. Recurrent GBM have been reported to transition to mesenchymal. We therefore sought to test the hypothesis that stiffer microenvironments-such as those found in different brain anatomical structures and induced following treatment-contribute to the expression of markers characterising the mesenchymal subtype. We cultured primary patient-derived cell lines that reflect the three common GBM subtypes (mesenchymal, proneural and classical) on polyacrylamide (PA) hydrogels with controlled stiffnesses spanning the healthy and pathological tissue range. We then assessed the canonical mesenchymal markers Connective Tissue Growth Factor (CTGF) and yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) expression, via immunofluorescence. Replating techniques and drug-mediated manipulation of the actin cytoskeleton were utilised to ascertain the response of the cells to differing mechanical environments. We demonstrate that CTGF is induced rapidly following adhesion to a rigid substrate and is independent of actin filament formation. Collectively, our data suggest that microenvironmental rigidity can stimulate expression of mesenchymal-associated molecules in GBM.

Dysregulation of the Scribble/YAP/β-catenin axis sustains the fibroinflammatory response in a PKHD1-/- mouse model of congenital hepatic fibrosis

Congenital hepatic fibrosis (CHF), a genetic cholangiopathy characterized by fibropolycystic changes in the biliary tree, is caused by mutations in the PKHD1 gene, leading to defective fibrocystin (FPC), changes in planar cell polarity (PCP) and increased β-catenin-dependent chemokine secretion. In this study, we aimed at understanding the role of Scribble (a protein involved in PCP), Yes-associated protein (YAP), and β-catenin in the regulation of the fibroinflammatory phenotype of FPC-defective cholangiocytes. Immunohistochemistry showed that compared with wild type (WT) mice, in FPC-defective (Pkhd1^del4/del4 ) mice nuclear expression of YAP/TAZ in cystic cholangiocytes, significantly increased and correlated with connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression and pericystic fibrosis, while Scribble expression on biliary cyst cells was markedly decreased. Cholangiocytes isolated from WT mice showed intense Scribble immunoreactivity at the membrane, but minimal nuclear expression of YAP, which conversely increased, together with CTGF, after small interfering RNA (siRNA) silencing of Scribble. In FPC-defective cholangiocytes, inhibition of YAP nuclear import reduced β-catenin nuclear expression, and CTGF, integrin β6, CXCL1, and CXCL10 mRNA levels, whereas inhibition of β-catenin signaling did not affect nuclear translocation of YAP. Notably, siRNA silencing of Scribble and YAP in WT cholangiocytes mimics the fibroinflammatory changes of FPC-defective cholangiocytes. Conditional deletion of β-catenin in Pkhd1^del4/del4  mice reduced cyst growth, inflammation and fibrosis, without affecting YAP nuclear expression. In conclusion, the defective anchor of Scribble to the membrane facilitates the nuclear translocation of YAP and β-catenin with gain of a fibroinflammatory phenotype. The Scribble/YAP/β-catenin axis is a critical factor in the sequence of events linking the genetic defect to fibrocystic trait of cholangiocytes in CHF.

Hippo-Yap/Taz signalling in zebrafish regeneration

The extent of tissue regeneration varies widely between species. Mammals have a limited regenerative capacity whilst lower vertebrates such as the zebrafish (Danio rerio), a freshwater teleost, can robustly regenerate a range of tissues, including the spinal cord, heart, and fin. The molecular and cellular basis of this altered response is one of intense investigation. In this review, we summarise the current understanding of the association between zebrafish regeneration and Hippo pathway function, a phosphorylation cascade that regulates cell proliferation, mechanotransduction, stem cell fate, and tumorigenesis, amongst others. We also compare this function to Hippo pathway activity in the regenerative response of other species. We find that the Hippo pathway effectors Yap/Taz facilitate zebrafish regeneration and that this appears to be latent in mammals, suggesting that therapeutically promoting precise and temporal YAP/TAZ signalling in humans may enhance regeneration and hence reduce morbidity.

Distinctive Roles of YAP and TAZ in Human Endothelial Progenitor Cells Growth and Functions

The hippo signaling pathway plays an essential role in controlling organ size and balancing tissue homeostasis. Its two main effectors, yes-associated protein (YAP) and WW domain-containing transcription regulator 1, WWTR1 or TAZ, have also been shown to regulate endothelial cell functions and angiogenesis. In this study, the functions of YAP and TAZ in human endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) were investigated by a loss-of-function study using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated gene knockdown (KD). Depletion of either YAP or TAZ reduced EPC survival and impaired many of their critical functions, including migration, invasion, vessel-formation, and expression of pro-angiogenic genes. Notably, TAZ-KD EPCs exhibited more severe phenotypes in comparison to YAP-KD EPCs. Moreover, the conditioned medium derived from TAZ-KD EPCs reduced the survivability of human lung cancer cells and increased their sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents. The overexpression of either wild-type or constitutively active TAZ rescued the impaired phenotypes of TAZ-KD EPCs and restored the expression of pro-angiogenic genes in those EPCs. In summary, we demonstrate the crucial role of Hippo signaling components, YAP and TAZ, in controlling several aspects of EPC functions that can potentially be used as a drug target to enhance EPC functions in patients.

Inhibiting YAP in Endothelial Cells From Entering the Nucleus Attenuates Blood-Brain Barrier Damage During Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Blood-brain barrier (BBB) damage is a critical event in ischemic stroke, contributing to aggravated brain damage. Endothelial cell form a major component of the BBB, but its regulation in stroke has yet to be clarified. We investigated the function of Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP) in the endothelium on BBB breakdown during cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. The effects of YAP on BBB dysfunction were explored in middle cerebral artery occlusion/reperfusion (MCAO/R)-injury model mice and using brain microvascular endothelial cells (BMEC) exposed to oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) injury. The degree of brain injury was estimated using staining (2,3,5-Triphenyltetrazolium chloride, hematoxylin and eosin) and the detection of cerebral blood flow. BBB breakdown was investigated by examining the leakage of Evans Blue dye and evaluating the expression of tight junction (TJ)-associated proteins and matrix metallopeptidase (MMP) 2 and 9. YAP expression was up-regulated in the nucleus of BMEC after cerebral I/R injury. Verteporfin (YAP inhibitor) down-regulated YAP expression in the nucleus and improved BBB hyperpermeability and TJ integrity disruption stimulated by cerebral I/R. YAP-targeted small interfering RNA (siRNA) exerted the same effects in BMEC cells exposed to OGD/R injury. Our findings provide new insights into the contributions made by YAP to the maintenance of BBB integrity and highlight the potential for YAP to serve as a therapeutic target to modulate BBB integrity following ischemic stroke and related cerebrovascular diseases.

An ATX-LPA6-Gα13-ROCK axis shapes and maintains caudal vein plexus in zebrafish

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a potential regulator of vascular formation derived from blood. In this study, we utilized zebrafish as a model organism to monitor the blood vessel formation in detail. Zebrafish mutant of ATX, an LPA-producing enzyme, had a defect in the caudal vein plexus (CVP). Pharmacological inhibition of ATX resulted in a fusion of the delicate vessels in the CVP to form large sac-like vessels. Mutant embryos of LPA₆ receptor and downstream Gα₁₃ showed the same phenotype. Administration of OMPT, a stable LPA-analog, induced rapid CVP constriction, which was attenuated significantly in the LPA₆ mutant. We also found that blood flow-induced CVP formation was dependent on ATX. The present study demonstrated that the ATX-LPA₆ axis acts cooperatively with blood flow and contributes to the formation and maintenance of the CVP by generating contractive force in endothelial cells.

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Blocking an ATX-LPA₆-Gα₁₃-ROCK axis causes malformation of the caudal vein plexus

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The axis also contributes to maintaining the fine structure of the caudal vein plexus

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Activation of LPA₆ induces vasoconstriction

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Caudal vein plexus formation evoked by blood flow is dependent on an ATX-LPA₆ axis

The long noncoding RNA AATBC promotes breast cancer migration and invasion by interacting with YBX1 and activating the YAP1/Hippo signaling pathway

Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) play an important role in the regulation of gene expression and are involved in several pathological responses. However, many important lncRNAs in breast cancer have not been identified and their expression levels and functions in breast cancer remain unknown. In this study, the lncRNA apoptosis-associated transcript in bladder cancer (AATBC) was found to be significantly highly expressed in breast cancer patients. In vitro and in vivo experiments indicated that AATBC promoted breast cancer metastasis. Further studies revealed that AATBC activated the YAP1/Hippo signaling pathway through the AATBC-YBX1-MST1 axis. This is also an important supplement to the composition of the YAP1/Hippo signaling pathway. The model of "AATBC-YAP1" may bring a new dawn to the treatment of breast cancer.

CCN2 (Cellular Communication Network factor 2) in the bone marrow microenvironment, normal and malignant hematopoiesis

CCN2, formerly termed Connective Tissue Growth Factor, is a protein belonging to the Cellular Communication Network (CCN)-family of secreted extracellular matrix-associated proteins. As a matricellular protein it is mainly considered to be active as a modifier of signaling activity of several different signaling pathways and as an orchestrator of their cross-talk. Furthermore, CCN2 and its fragments have been implicated in the regulation of a multitude of biological processes, including cell proliferation, differentiation, adhesion, migration, cell survival, apoptosis and the production of extracellular matrix products, as well as in more complex processes such as embryonic development, angiogenesis, chondrogenesis, osteogenesis, fibrosis, mechanotransduction and inflammation. Its function is complex and context dependent, depending on cell type, state of differentiation and microenvironmental context. CCN2 plays a role in many diseases, especially those associated with fibrosis, but has also been implicated in many different forms of cancer. In the bone marrow (BM), CCN2 is highly expressed in mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs). CCN2 is important for MSC function, supporting its proliferation, migration and differentiation. In addition, stromal CCN2 supports the maintenance and longtime survival of hematopoietic stem cells, and in the presence of interleukin 7, stimulates the differentiation of pro-B lymphocytes into pre-B lymphocytes. Overexpression of CCN2 is seen in the majority of B-acute lymphoblastic leukemias, especially in certain cytogenetic subgroups associated with poor outcome. In acute myeloid leukemia, CCN2 expression is increased in MSCs, which has been associated with leukemic engraftment in vivo. In this review, the complex function of CCN2 in the BM microenvironment and in normal as well as malignant hematopoiesis is discussed. In addition, an overview is given of data on the remaining CCN family members regarding normal and malignant hematopoiesis, having many similarities and some differences in their function.

Endothelial YAP/TAZ Signaling in Angiogenesis and Tumor Vasculature

Solid tumors are dependent on vascularization for their growth. The hypoxic, stiff, and pro-angiogenic tumor microenvironment induces angiogenesis, giving rise to an immature, proliferative, and permeable vasculature. The tumor vessels promote tumor metastasis and complicate delivery of anti-cancer therapies. In many types of tumors, YAP/TAZ activation is correlated with increased levels of angiogenesis. In addition, endothelial YAP/TAZ activation is important for the formation of new blood and lymphatic vessels during development. Oncogenic activation of YAP/TAZ in tumor cell growth and invasion has been studied in great detail, however the role of YAP/TAZ within the tumor endothelium remains insufficiently understood, which complicates therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting YAP/TAZ in cancer. Here, we overview the upstream signals from the tumor microenvironment that control endothelial YAP/TAZ activation and explore the role of their downstream targets in driving tumor angiogenesis. We further discuss the potential for anti-cancer treatments and vascular normalization strategies to improve tumor therapies.

Remodeling of the Microvasculature: May the Blood Flow Be With You

The vasculature ensures optimal delivery of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body, and to achieve this function it must continually adapt to varying tissue demands. Newly formed vascular plexuses during development are immature and require dynamic remodeling to generate well-patterned functional networks. This is achieved by remodeling of the capillaries preserving those which are functional and eliminating other ones. A balanced and dynamically regulated capillary remodeling will therefore ensure optimal distribution of blood and nutrients to the tissues. This is particularly important in pathological contexts in which deficient or excessive vascular remodeling may worsen tissue perfusion and hamper tissue repair. Blood flow is a major determinant of microvascular reshaping since capillaries are pruned when relatively less perfused and they split when exposed to high flow in order to shape the microvascular network for optimal tissue perfusion and oxygenation. The molecular machinery underlying blood flow sensing by endothelial cells is being deciphered, but much less is known about how this translates into endothelial cell responses as alignment, polarization and directed migration to drive capillary remodeling, particularly in vivo. Part of this knowledge is theoretical from computational models since blood flow hemodynamics are not easily recapitulated by in vitro or ex vivo approaches. Moreover, these events are difficult to visualize in vivo due to their infrequency and briefness. Studies had been limited to postnatal mouse retina and vascular beds in zebrafish but new tools as advanced microscopy and image analysis are strengthening our understanding of capillary remodeling. In this review we introduce the concept of remodeling of the microvasculature and its relevance in physiology and pathology. We summarize the current knowledge on the mechanisms contributing to capillary regression and to capillary splitting highlighting the key role of blood flow to orchestrate these processes. Finally, we comment the potential and possibilities that microfluidics offers to this field. Since capillary remodeling mechanisms are often reactivated in prevalent pathologies as cancer and cardiovascular disease, all this knowledge could be eventually used to improve the functionality of capillary networks in diseased tissues and promote their repair.

P130Cas/bcar1 mediates zebrafish caudal vein plexus angiogenesis

P130CAS/BCAR1 belongs to the CAS family of adaptor proteins, with important regulatory roles in cell migration, cell cycle control, and apoptosis. Previously, we and others showed that P130CAS mediates VEGF-A and PDGF signalling in vitro, but its cardiovascular function in vivo remains relatively unexplored. We characterise here a novel deletion model of P130CAS in zebrafish. Using in vivo microscopy and transgenic vascular reporters, we observed that while bcar1−/− zebrafish showed no arterial angiogenic or heart defects during development, they strikingly failed to form the caudal vein plexus (CVP). Endothelial cells (ECs) within the CVP of bcar1−/− embryos produced fewer filopodial structures and did not detach efficiently from neighbouring cells, resulting in a significant reduction in ventral extension and overall CVP area. Mechanistically, we show that P130Cas mediates Bmp2b-induced ectopic angiogenic sprouting of ECs in the developing embryo and provide pharmacological evidence for a role of Src family kinases in CVP development.

The Effects of YAP and Its Related Mechanisms in Central Nervous System Diseases

Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a key effector downstream of the Hippo signaling pathway and plays an important role in the development of the physiology and pathology of the central nervous system (CNS), especially regulating cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, and apoptosis. However, the roles and underlying mechanisms of YAP in CNS diseases are still puzzling. Here, this review will systematically and comprehensively summarize the biological feature, pathological role, and underlying mechanisms of YAP in normal and pathologic CNS, which aims to provide insights into the potential molecular targets and new therapeutic strategies for CNS diseases.

Yes-associated protein 1 is required for proliferation and function of bovine granulosa cells in vitro†

Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is a major component of the Hippo signaling pathway. Although the exact extracellular signals that control the Hippo pathway are currently unknown, increasing evidence supports a critical role for the Hippo pathway in embryonic development, regulation of organ size, and carcinogenesis. Granulosa cells (GCs) within the ovarian follicle proliferate and produce steroids and growth factors, which facilitate the growth of follicle and maturation of the oocyte. We hypothesize that YAP1 plays a role in proliferation and estrogen secretion of GCs. In the current study, we examined the expression of the Hippo signaling pathway in bovine ovaries and determined whether it was important for GC proliferation and estrogen production. Mammalian STE20-like protein kinase 1 (MST1) and large tumor suppressor kinase 2 (LATS2) were identified as prominent upstream components of the Hippo pathway expressed in granulosa and theca cells of the follicle and large and small cells of the corpus luteum. Immunohistochemistry revealed that YAP1 was localized to the nucleus of growing follicles. In vitro, nuclear localization of the downstream Hippo signaling effector proteins YAP1 and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) was inversely correlated with GC density, with greater nuclear localization under conditions of low cell density. Treatment with verteporfin and siRNA targeting YAP1 or TAZ revealed a critical role for these transcriptional co-activators in GC proliferation. Furthermore, knockdown of YAP1 in GCs inhibited follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH)-induced estradiol biosynthesis. The data indicate that Hippo pathway transcription co-activators YAP1/TAZ play an important role in GC proliferation and estradiol synthesis, two processes necessary for maintaining normal follicle development.

Editor’s Pick: Systemic Sclerosis: The Role of YAP/TAZ in Disease Pathogenesis

Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a systemic autoimmune condition of unknown cause. Yes-Associated Protein/Tafazzin (YAP/TAZ) are transcriptional coactivators previously demonstrated to be involved in cellular stretch biology, and form the principal effector molecules of the Hippo signalling pathway. The association between YAP/TAZ and stretch is contingent upon their cytoplasmic localisation (with nuclear translocation, the cell adopts a relaxed state). The author weighs the evidence for a central role for YAP/TAZ signalling in scleroderma spanning the major clinical features of the condition. Several of the features unique to SSc are mediated by cytoplasmic localisation of YAP/TAZ, including the stretch phenotype (through binding to NF-2), arterial lumenal obliteration (through their binding to angiomotin), the promotion of hypergammaglobulinaemia (via feedback to the upstream Hippo signalling molecule Mammalian Ste20-like Kinase 1), and the induction of B-Lymphocyte-Induced Maturation Protein-1 leading to the adoption of Th2 lineage, prominent in SSc. One observes that the induction of the fibrotic phenotype of scleroderma is mediated through GLI1/GLI2 (the effector molecules of the Hedgehog pathway). GLI1/GLI2 are induced to reciprocally enter the nucleus when YAP/TAZ is intracytoplasmic. The latter explains the characteristically increased connective tissue growth factor 2 and endothelin-1 expression. In this article, the author references some examples of the role of YAP/TAZ in the biophysically similar condition nephrogenic systemic fibrosis and suggests a role of YAP/TAZ cytoplasmic sequestration in programmed cell death protein 1-ligand antagonist-induced scleroderma.

Advantages and Challenges of Cardiovascular and Lymphatic Studies in Zebrafish Research

Since its introduction, the zebrafish has provided an important reference system to model and study cardiovascular development as well as lymphangiogenesis in vertebrates. A scientific workshop, held at the 2018 European Zebrafish Principal Investigators Meeting in Trento (Italy) and chaired by Massimo Santoro, focused on the most recent methods and studies on cardiac, vascular and lymphatic development. Daniela Panáková and Natascia Tiso described new molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways involved in cardiac differentiation and disease. Arndt Siekmann and Wiebke Herzog discussed novel roles for Wnt and VEGF signaling in brain angiogenesis. In addition, Brant Weinstein's lab presented data concerning the discovery of endothelium-derived macrophage-like perivascular cells in the zebrafish brain, while Monica Beltrame's studies refined the role of Sox transcription factors in vascular and lymphatic development. In this article, we will summarize the details of these recent discoveries in support of the overall value of the zebrafish model system not only to study normal development, but also associated disease states.

The Role of YAP and TAZ in Angiogenesis and Vascular Mimicry

Angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature, is a physiological process that begins in utero and continues throughout life in both good health and disease. Understanding the underlying mechanism in angiogenesis could uncover a new therapeutic approach in pathological angiogenesis. Since its discovery, the Hippo signaling pathway has emerged as a key player in controlling organ size and tissue homeostasis. Recently, new studies have discovered that Hippo and two of its main effectors, Yes-associated protein (YAP) and its paralog transcription activator with PDZ binding motif (TAZ), play critical roles during angiogenesis. In this review, we summarize the mechanisms by which YAP/TAZ regulate endothelial cell shape, behavior, and function in angiogenesis. We further discuss how YAP/TAZ function as part of developmental and pathological angiogenesis. Finally, we review the role of YAP/TAZ in tumor vascular mimicry and propose directions for future work.

Role of Hippo Pathway-YAP/TAZ Signaling in Angiogenesis

Angiogenesis is a highly coordinated process of formation of new blood vessels from pre-existing blood vessels. The process of development of the proper vascular network is a complex process that is crucial for the vertebrate development. Several studies have defined essential roles of Hippo pathway-YAP/TAZ in organ size control, tissue regeneration, and self-renewal. Thus Hippo pathway is one of the central components in tissue homeostasis. There are mounting evidences on the eminence of Hippo pathway-YAP/TAZ in angiogenesis in multiple model organisms. Hippo pathway-YAP/TAZ is now demonstrated to regulate endothelial cell proliferation, migration and survival; subsequently regulating vascular sprouting, vascular barrier formation, and vascular remodeling. Major intracellular signaling programs that regulate angiogenesis concomitantly activate YAP/TAZ to regulate key events in angiogenesis. In this review, we provide a brief overview of the recent findings in the Hippo pathway and YAP/TAZ signaling in angiogenesis.

Simvastatin and the Rho-kinase inhibitor Y-27632 prevent myofibroblast transformation in Peyronie's disease-derived fibroblasts via inhibition of YAP/TAZ nuclear translocation

OBJECTIVES

To uncover the anti-myofibroblast (MFB) properties of Rho-kinase inhibitor (compound Y-27632) and simvastatin in an in vitro model of Peyronie's disease (PD), a sexually debilitating disease caused by an irreversible fibrotic plaque in the penile tunica albuginea (TA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Primary human fibroblasts (FBs) were isolated from surgically obtained TA tissue from patients with PD. To induce MFB status, cells were stimulated with 3 ng/mL transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Increasing doses of Y-27632 and simvastatin were added. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to assess mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen III, elastin and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) after 72 h. Western blot analysis was used to quantify α-SMA protein contents, and immunofluorescence (IF) was used to visualize MFB differentiation by staining for α-SMA after 72 h. A resazurin-based assay was used to assess cell viability to ensure the anti-MFB effect of the drugs. A mechanistic study was performed using IF staining for YAP/TAZ nuclear translocation.

RESULTS

After 72 h of stimulation with TGF-β1, a six- to 10-fold upregulation of α-SMA could be observed. When treated with Y-27632 or simvastatin, the α-SMA, collagen III, elastin and CTGF mRNA expression was impeded. Additionally, TGF-β1 stimulation showed a twofold increase in α-SMA protein expression, which was reversed to non-stimulated levels after treatment with Y-27632 and simvastatin. Using IF, stimulated cells were identified as MFB (α-SMA+, Vim+) as opposed to the non-stimulated, Y-27632- and simvastatin-treated cells (α-SMA-, Vim+). The resazurin-based assay confirmed that the cell viability was not compromised by the administered drugs. On stimulation with TGF-β1, nuclear translocation of YAP/TAZ could be observed, which was prevented by adding the aforementioned compounds.

CONCLUSION

Transformation of FBs into the contractile and extracellular matrix-producing MFBs occurs after TGF-β1 stimulation. In our experiments, Rho-kinase inhibition and simvastatin treatment were shown to prevent this in TGF-β1-stimulated cells on an RNA and protein level through the inhibition of YAP/TAZ nuclear translocation. Y-27632 and simvastatin could become a novel treatment option in the early treatment of PD.

Recent insights into vascular development from studies in zebrafish

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Zebrafish has provided a powerful platform to study vascular biology over the past 25 years, owing to their distinct advantages for imaging and genetic manipulation. In this review, we summarize recent progress in vascular biology with particular emphasis on vascular development in zebrafish.

RECENT FINDINGS

The advent of transcription activator-like effector nuclease and clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR-associated protein 9 genome-editing technologies has dramatically facilitated reverse genetic approaches in zebrafish, as in other models. Here, we highlight recent studies on vascular development in zebrafish which mainly employed forward or reverse genetics combined with high-resolution imaging. These studies have advanced our understanding of diverse areas in vascular biology, including transcriptional regulation of endothelial cell differentiation, endothelial cell signaling during angiogenesis and lymphangiogenesis, vascular bed-specific developmental mechanisms, and perivascular cell recruitment.

SUMMARY

The unique attributes of the zebrafish model have allowed critical cellular and molecular insights into fundamental mechanisms of vascular development. Knowledge acquired through recent zebrafish work further advances our understanding of basic mechanisms underlying vascular morphogenesis, maintenance, and homeostasis. Ultimately, insights provided by the zebrafish model will help to understand the genetic, cellular, and molecular underpinnings of human vascular malformations and diseases.

Zebrafish mutants and TEAD reporters reveal essential functions for Yap and Taz in posterior cardinal vein development

As effectors of the Hippo signaling cascade, YAP1 and TAZ are transcriptional regulators playing important roles in development, tissue homeostasis and cancer. A number of different cues, including mechanotransduction of extracellular stimuli, adhesion molecules, oncogenic signaling and metabolism modulate YAP1/TAZ nucleo-cytoplasmic shuttling. In the nucleus, YAP1/TAZ tether with the DNA binding proteins TEADs, to activate the expression of target genes that regulate proliferation, migration, cell plasticity, and cell fate. Based on responsive elements present in the human and zebrafish promoters of the YAP1/TAZ target gene CTGF, we established zebrafish fluorescent transgenic reporter lines of Yap1/Taz activity. These reporter lines provide an in vivo view of Yap1/Taz activity during development and adulthood at the whole organism level. Transgene expression was detected in many larval tissues including the otic vesicles, heart, pharyngeal arches, muscles and brain and is prominent in endothelial cells. Analysis of vascular development in yap1/taz zebrafish mutants revealed specific defects in posterior cardinal vein (PCV) formation, with altered expression of arterial/venous markers. The overactivation of Yap1/Taz in endothelial cells was sufficient to promote an aberrant vessel sprouting phenotype. Our findings confirm and extend the emerging role of Yap1/Taz in vascular development including angiogenesis.

Matricellular Proteins: Functional Insights From Non-mammalian Animal Models

The extracellular matrix (ECM) has central roles in tissue integrity and remodeling throughout the life span of animals. While collagens are the most abundant structural components of ECM in most tissues, tissue-specific molecular complexity is contributed by ECM glycoproteins. The matricellular glycoproteins are categorized primarily according to functional criteria and represented predominantly by the thrombospondin, tenascin, SPARC/osteonectin, and CCN families. These proteins do not self-assemble into ECM fibrils; nevertheless, they shape ECM properties through interactions with structural ECM proteins, growth factors, and cells. Matricellular proteins also promote cell migration or morphological changes through adhesion-modulating or counter-adhesive actions on cell-ECM adhesions, intracellular signaling, and the actin cytoskeleton. Typically, matricellular proteins are most highly expressed during embryonic development. In adult tissues, expression is more limited unless activated by cues for dynamic tissue remodeling and cell motility, such as occur during inflammatory response and wound repair. Many insights in the complex roles of matricellular proteins have been obtained from studies of gene knockout mice. However, with the exception of chordate-specific tenascins, these are highly conserved proteins that are encoded in many animal phyla. This review will consider the increasing body of research on matricellular proteins in nonmammalian animal models. These models provide better access to the very earliest stages of embryonic development and opportunities to study biological processes such as limb and organ regeneration. In aggregate, this research is expanding concepts of the functions and mechanisms of action of matricellular proteins.