Downstream of mutant KRAS, the transcription regulator YAP is essential for neoplastic progression to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

A Pump-Free Strategy for the Controllable Generation of Alginate Microgels as Cellular Microcarriers

Microgels are advanced scaffolds for tissue engineering due to their proper biodegradability, good biocompatibility, and high specific surface area for effective oxygen and nutrient transfer. However, most of the current monodispersed microgel fabrication systems rely heavily on various precision pumps, which highly increase the cost and complexity of their downstream application. In this work, we developed a simple and facile system for the controllable generation of uniform alginate microgels by integrating a gas-shearing strategy into a glass microfluidic device. Importantly, the cell-laden microgels can be rapidly prepared in a pump-free manner under an all-aqueous environment. The three-dimensional cultured green fluorescent protein-human A549 cells in alginate microgels exhibited enhanced stemness and drug resistance compared to those under two-dimensional conditions. The pancreatic cancer organoids in alginate microgels exhibited some of the key features of pancreatic cancer. The proposed microgels showed decent monodispersity, biocompatibility, and versatility, providing great opportunities in various biomedical applications such as microcarrier fabricating, organoid engineering, and high-throughput drug screening.

Amplification of Hippo Signaling Pathway Genes Is Governed and Implicated in the Serous Subtype-Specific Ovarian Carcino-Genesis

Among women, ovarian cancer ranks as the fifth most common cause of cancer-related deaths. This study examined the impact of Hippo signaling pathway on ovarian carcinogenesis. Therefore, the signatures related to Hippo signaling pathway were derived from the molecular signatures database (MSigDB) and were used for further analysis. The Z score-based pathway activation scoring method was employed to investigate the expression patterns of these signatures in the mRNA expression profiles of ovarian cancer cohorts. Compared to other subtype tumors, the results of this study show that the Hippo signaling pathway signatures are dysregulated prominently in serous subtype-specific ovarian carcinogenesis. A receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve-based results of the Hippo gene set, yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1), and mammalian sterile 20-like kinases 1 (MST1) genes can predict the serous subtype tumors by higher specificity and sensitivity with significant areas under the curve values also further reconfirmed these signaling dysregulations. Moreover, these gene sets were studied further for mutation analysis in the profile of high-grade serous ovarian adenocarcinoma in the cBioPortal database. The OncoPrint results reveal that these Hippo signaling pathway genes are amplified highly during the grade three and stage third or fourth of serous type ovarian tumors. In addition, the results of the Dependency Map (DepMap) plot also clearly show that these genes are amplified significantly across the ovarian cancer cell lines. Finally, overall survival (OS) curve plot investigations also revealed that these gene expressions show poor survival patterns linked to highly expressed conditions in serous subtypes of ovarian cancer patients with significant p-values (p < 0.05). Thus, the current finding would help to develop the targeted therapies treatment for serous subtype ovarian carcinogenesis.

A neuroligin-2-YAP axis regulates progression of pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a tumor with a dismal prognosis that arises from precursor lesions called pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasias (PanINs). Progression from low- to high-grade PanINs is considered as tumor initiation, and a deeper understanding of this switch is needed. Here, we show that synaptic molecule neuroligin-2 (NLGN2) is expressed by pancreatic exocrine cells and plays a crucial role in the regulation of contact inhibition and epithelial polarity, which characterize the switch from low- to high-grade PanIN. NLGN2 localizes to tight junctions in acinar cells, is diffusely distributed in the cytosol in low-grade PanINs and is lost in high-grade PanINs and in a high percentage of advanced PDACs. Mechanistically, NLGN2 is necessary for the formation of the PALS1/PATJ complex, which in turn induces contact inhibition by reducing YAP function. Our results provide novel insights into NLGN2 functions outside the nervous system and can be used to model PanIN progression.

Hippo Signaling at the Hallmarks of Cancer and Drug Resistance

Originally identified in Drosophila melanogaster in 1995, the Hippo signaling pathway plays a pivotal role in organ size control and tumor suppression by inhibiting proliferation and promoting apoptosis. Large tumor suppressors 1 and 2 (LATS1/2) directly phosphorylate the Yki orthologs YAP (yes-associated protein) and its paralog TAZ (also known as WW domain-containing transcription regulator 1 [WWTR1]), thereby inhibiting their nuclear localization and pairing with transcriptional coactivators TEAD1-4. Earnest efforts from many research laboratories have established the role of mis-regulated Hippo signaling in tumorigenesis, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), oncogenic stemness, and, more recently, development of drug resistances. Hippo signaling components at the heart of oncogenic adaptations fuel the development of drug resistance in many cancers for targeted therapies including KRAS and EGFR mutants. The first U.S. food and drug administration (US FDA) approval of the imatinib tyrosine kinase inhibitor in 2001 paved the way for nearly 100 small-molecule anti-cancer drugs approved by the US FDA and the national medical products administration (NMPA). However, the low response rate and development of drug resistance have posed a major hurdle to improving the progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) of cancer patients. Accumulating evidence has enabled scientists and clinicians to strategize the therapeutic approaches of targeting cancer cells and to navigate the development of drug resistance through the continuous monitoring of tumor evolution and oncogenic adaptations. In this review, we highlight the emerging aspects of Hippo signaling in cross-talk with other oncogenic drivers and how this information can be translated into combination therapy to target a broad range of aggressive tumors and the development of drug resistance.

Hippo pathway in non-small cell lung cancer: mechanisms, potential targets, and biomarkers

Lung cancer is the primary contributor to cancer-related deaths globally, and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) constitutes around 85% of all lung cancer cases. Recently, the emergence of targeted therapy and immunotherapy revolutionized the treatment of NSCLC and greatly improved patients' survival. However, drug resistance is inevitable, and extensive research has demonstrated that the Hippo pathway plays a crucial role in the development of drug resistance in NSCLC. The Hippo pathway is a highly conserved signaling pathway that is essential for various biological processes, including organ development, maintenance of epithelial balance, tissue regeneration, wound healing, and immune regulation. This pathway exerts its effects through two key transcription factors, namely Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). They regulate gene expression by interacting with the transcriptional-enhanced associate domain (TEAD) family. In recent years, this pathway has been extensively studied in NSCLC. The review summarizes a comprehensive overview of the involvement of this pathway in NSCLC, and discusses the mechanisms of drug resistance, potential targets, and biomarkers associated with this pathway in NSCLC.

KRAS G12C-mutant driven non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)

KRAS G12C mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) partially respond to KRAS G12C covalent inhibitors. However, early adaptive resistance occurs due to rewiring of signaling pathways, activating receptor tyrosine kinases, primarily EGFR, but also MET and ligands. Evidence indicates that treatment with KRAS G12C inhibitors (sotorasib) triggers the MRAS:SHOC2:PP1C trimeric complex. Activation of MRAS occurs from alterations in the Scribble and Hippo-dependent pathways, leading to YAP activation. Other mechanisms that involve STAT3 signaling are intertwined with the activation of MRAS. The high-resolution MRAS:SHOC2:PP1C crystallization structure allows in silico analysis for drug development. Activation of MRAS:SHOC2:PP1C is primarily Scribble-driven and downregulated by HUWE1. The reactivation of the MRAS complex is carried out by valosin containing protein (VCP). Exploring these pathways as therapeutic targets and their impact on different chemotherapeutic agents (carboplatin, paclitaxel) is crucial. Comutations in STK11/LKB1 often co-occur with KRAS G12C, jeopardizing the effect of immune checkpoint (anti-PD1/PDL1) inhibitors.

Role of Hippo pathway dysregulation from gastrointestinal premalignant lesions to cancer

BACKGROUND

First identified in Drosophila melanogaster, the Hippo pathway is considered a major regulatory cascade controlling tissue homeostasis and organ development. Hippo signaling components include kinases whose activity regulates YAP and TAZ final effectors. In response to upstream stimuli, YAP and TAZ control transcriptional programs involved in cell proliferation, cytoskeletal reorganization and stemness.

MAIN TEXT

While fine tuning of Hippo cascade components is essential for maintaining the balance between proliferative and non-proliferative signals, pathway signaling is frequently dysregulated in gastrointestinal cancers. Also, YAP/TAZ aberrant activation has been described in conditions characterized by chronic inflammation that precede cancer development, suggesting a role of Hippo effectors in triggering carcinogenesis. In this review, we summarize the architecture of the Hippo pathway and discuss the involvement of signaling cascade unbalances in premalignant lesions of the gastrointestinal tract, providing a focus on the underlying molecular mechanisms.

CONCLUSIONS

The biology of premalignant Hippo signaling dysregulation needs further investigation in order to elucidate the evolutionary trajectories triggering cancer inititation and develop effective early therapeutic strategies targeting the Hippo/YAP pathway.

Dinaciclib exerts a tumor-suppressing effect via β-catenin/YAP axis in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Dinaciclib, a cyclin-dependent kinase-5 (CDK5) inhibitor, has significant anti-tumor properties. However, the precise mechanism of dinaciclib requires further investigation. Herein, we investigated the anti-tumor functions and molecular basis of dinaciclib in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). PDAC and matched para-carcinoma specimens were collected from the patients who underwent radical resection. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess CDK5 expression. Cell proliferation ability, migration, and invasion were measured using Cell Counting Kit-8, wound healing, and transwell assay, respectively. The cell cycle and apoptosis were assessed using flow cytometry. Gene expression was examined using RNA-seq and quantitative real-time PCR. Protein expression of proteins was measured by western blot analysis and immunofluorescence microscopy. Tumor-bearing mice were intraperitoneally injected with dinaciclib. CDK5 is highly expressed in PDAC. The expression level of CDK5 was significantly related to tumor size, T stage, and the American Joint Committee on Cancer stage. High CDK5 expression can predict poor survival in PDAC patients. In addition, the expression level of CDK5 might be an independent prognostic factor for PDAC patients. Dinaciclib inhibits the growth and motility of PDAC cells and induces apoptosis and cell cycle arrest in the G2/M phase. Mechanistically, dinaciclib down-regulated yes-associated protein (YAP) mRNA and protein expression by reducing β-catenin expression. Moreover, dinaciclib significantly inhibited PDAC cell growth in vivo . Our findings reveal a novel anti-tumor mechanism of dinaciclib in which it decreases YAP expression by down-regulating β-catenin at the transcriptional level rather than by activating Hippo pathway-mediated phosphorylation-dependent degradation.

TGFβ and Hippo Signaling Pathways Coordinate to Promote Acinar to Ductal Metaplasia in Human Pancreas

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Acinar-to-ductal metaplasia (ADM) serves as a precursor event in the development of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) upon constitutive environmental and genetical stress. While the role of ADM in PDAC progression has been established, the molecular mechanisms underlying human ADM remain elusive. We previously demonstrated the induction of ADM in human acinar cells through the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling pathway. We aim to investigate the interaction between TGFβ and Hippo pathways in mediating ADM.

METHODS

RNA-sequencing was conducted on sorted normal primary human acinar, ductal, and AD (acinar cells that have undergone ADM) cells. ATAC-seq analysis was utilized to reveal the chromatin accessibility in these three cell types. ChIP-Seq of YAP1, SMAD4, and H3K27ac was performed to identify the gene targets of YAP1 and SMAD4. The role of YAP1/TAZ in ADM-driven cell proliferation, as well as in oncogenic KRAS driven proliferation, was assessed using sphere formation assay.

RESULTS

AD cells have a unique transcription profile, with upregulated genes in open chromatin states in acinar cells. YAP1 and SMAD4 co-occupy the loci of ADM-related genes, including PROM1, HES1, and MMP7, co-regulating biological functions such as cell adhesion, cell migration, and inflammation. Overexpression of YAP1/TAZ promoted acinar cell proliferation but still required the TGFβ pathway. YAP1/TAZ were also crucial for TGFβ-induced sphere formation and were necessary for KRAS-induced proliferation.

CONCLUSIONS

Our study reveals the intricate transition between acinar and AD states in human pancreatic tissues. It unveils the complex interaction between the Hippo and TGF-β pathways during ADM, highlighting the pivotal role of YAP1/TAZ and SMAD4 in PDAC initiation.

YAP targetome reveals activation of SPEM in gastric pre-neoplastic progression and regeneration

Peptic ulcer disease caused by environmental factors increases the risk of developing gastric cancer (GC), one of the most common and deadly cancers in the world. However, the mechanisms underlying this association remain unclear. A major type of GC uniquely undergoes spasmolytic polypeptide-expressing metaplasia (SPEM) followed by intestinal metaplasia. Notably, intestinal-type GC patients with high levels of YAP signaling exhibit a lower survival rate and poor prognosis. YAP overexpression in gastric cells induces atrophy, metaplasia, and hyperproliferation, while its deletion in a Notch-activated gastric adenoma model suppresses them. By defining the YAP targetome genome-wide, we demonstrate that YAP binds to active chromatin elements of SPEM-related genes, which correlates with the activation of their expression in both metaplasia and ulcers. Single-cell analysis combined with our YAP signature reveals that YAP signaling is activated during SPEM, demonstrating YAP as a central regulator of SPEM in gastric neoplasia and regeneration.

Membrane potential mediates an ancient mechano-transduction mechanism for multi-cellular homeostasis

Membrane potential is a property of all living cells1. However, its physiological role in non-excitable cells is poorly understood. Resting membrane potential is typically considered fixed for a given cell type and under tight homeostatic control2, akin to body temperature in mammals. Contrary to this widely accepted paradigm, we found that membrane potential is a dynamic property that directly reflects tissue density and mechanical forces acting on the cell. Serving as a quasi-instantaneous, global readout of density and mechanical pressure, membrane potential is integrated with signal transduction networks by affecting the conformation and clustering of proteins in the membrane3,4, as well as the transmembrane flux of key signaling ions5,6. Indeed, we show that important mechano-sensing pathways, YAP, Jnk and p387-121314, are directly controlled by membrane potential. We further show that mechano-transduction via membrane potential plays a critical role in the homeostasis of epithelial tissues, setting tissue density by controlling proliferation and cell extrusion of cells. Moreover, a wave of depolarization triggered by mechanical stretch enhances the speed of wound healing. Mechano-transduction via membrane potential likely constitutes an ancient homeostatic mechanism in multi-cellular organisms, potentially serving as a steppingstone for the evolution of excitable tissues and neuronal mechano-sensing. The breakdown of membrane potential mediated homeostatic regulation may contribute to tumor growth.

Complex roles of Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma

BACKGROUND

The Hippo signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved signaling module that controls organ size in different species, and the disorder of the Hippo pathway can induce liver cancer in organisms, especially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The exact mechanism that causes cancer is still unknown. Recent studies have shown that it is a classical kinase cascade that phosphorylates the Mst1/2-sav1 complex and activates the phosphorylation of the Lats1/2-mob1A/B complex for inactivating Yap and Taz. These kinases and scaffolds are regarded as primary regulators of the Hippo pathway, and help in activating a variety of carcinogenic processes. Among them, Yap/Taz is seen to be the main effector molecule, which is downstream of the Hippo pathway, and its abnormal activation is related to a variety of human cancers including liver cancer. Currently, since Yap/Taz plays a variety of roles in cancer promotion and tumor regeneration, the Hippo pathway has emerged as an attractive target in recent drug development research.

METHODS

We collect and review relevant literature in web of Science and Pubmed.

CONCLUSION

This review highlights the important roles of Yap/Taz in activating Hippo pathway in liver cancer. The recent findings on the crosstalks between the Hippo and other cancer associated pathways and moleculars are also discussed. In this review, we summarized and discussed recent breakthroughs in our understanding of how key components of the Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway influence the hepatocellular carcinoma, including their effects on tumor occurrence and development, their roles in regulating metastasis, and their function in chemotherapy resistance. Further, the molecular mechanism and roles in regulating cross talk between Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway and other cancer-associated pathways or oncogenes/cancer suppressor genes were summarized and discussed. More, many other inducers and inhibitors of this signaling cascade and available experimental therapies against the YAP/TAZ/TEAD axis were discussed. Targeting this pathway for cancer therapy may have great significance in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Graphical summary of the complex role of Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma.

Targeting the RNA-Binding Protein HuR in Cancer

The RNA-binding protein human antigen R (HuR) is a well-established regulator of gene expression at the posttranscriptional level. Its dysregulation has been implicated in various human diseases, particularly cancer. In cancer, HuR is considered "active" when it shows increased subcellular localization in the cytoplasm, in addition to its normal nuclear localization. Cytoplasmic HuR plays a crucial role in stabilizing and enhancing the translation of prosurvival mRNAs that are involved in stress responses relevant to cancer progression, such as hypoxia, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy. In general, due to HuR's abundance and function in cancer cells compared with normal cells, it is an appealing target for oncology research. Exploiting the principles underlying HuR's role in tumorigenesis and resistance to stressors, targeting HuR has the potential for synergy with existing and novel oncologic therapies. This review aims to explore HuR's role in homeostasis and cancer pathophysiology, as well as current targeting strategies, which include silencing HuR expression, preventing its translocation and dimerization from the nucleus to the cytoplasm, and inhibiting mRNA binding. Furthermore, this review will discuss recent studies investigating the potential synergy between HuR inhibition and traditional chemotherapeutics.

Reactivation of embryonic genetic programs in tissue regeneration and disease

Embryonic genetic programs are reactivated in response to various types of tissue damage, providing cell plasticity for tissue regeneration or disease progression. In acute conditions, these programs remedy the damage and then halt to allow a return to homeostasis. In chronic situations, including inflammatory diseases, fibrosis and cancer, prolonged activation of embryonic programs leads to disease progression and tissue deterioration. Induction of progenitor identity and cell plasticity, for example, epithelial-mesenchymal plasticity, are critical outcomes of reactivated embryonic programs. In this Review, we describe molecular players governing reactivated embryonic genetic programs, their role during disease progression, their similarities and differences and lineage reversion in pathology and discuss associated therapeutics and drug-resistance mechanisms across many organs. We also discuss the diversity of reactivated programs in different disease contexts. A comprehensive overview of commonalities between development and disease will provide better understanding of the biology and therapeutic strategies.

Biological characteristics of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma: Initiation to malignancy, intracellular to extracellular

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is a highly life-threatening tumour with a low early-detection rate, rapid progression and a tendency to develop resistance to chemotherapy. Therefore, understanding the regulatory mechanisms underlying the initiation, development and metastasis of pancreatic cancer is necessary for enhancing therapeutic effectiveness. In this review, we summarised single-gene mutations (including KRAS, CDKN2A, TP53, SMAD4 and some other less prevalent mutations), epigenetic changes (including DNA methylation, histone modifications and RNA interference) and large chromosome alterations (such as copy number variations, chromosome rearrangements and chromothripsis) associated with PDAC. In addition, we discussed variations in signalling pathways that act as intermediate oncogenic factors in PDAC, including PI3K/AKT, MAPK/ERK, Hippo and TGF-β signalling pathways. The focus of this review was to investigate alterations in the microenvironment of PDAC, particularly the role of immunosuppressive cells, cancer-associated fibroblasts, lymphocytes, other para-cancerous cells and tumour extracellular matrix in tumour progression. Peripheral axons innervating the pancreas have been reported to play a crucial role in the development of cancer. In addition, tumour cells can influence the behaviour of neighbouring non-tumour cells by secreting certain factors, both locally and at a distance. In this review, we elucidated the alterations in intracellular molecules and the extracellular environment that occur during the progression of PDAC. Altogether, this review may enhance the understanding of the biological characteristics of PDAC and guide the development of more precise treatment strategies.

Mind the (guidance) signals! Translational relevance of semaphorins, plexins, and neuropilins in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic cancer is a major cause of demise worldwide. Although key associated genetic changes have been discovered, disease progression is sustained by pathogenic mechanisms that are poorly understood at the molecular level. In particular, the tissue microenvironment of pancreatic adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is usually characterized by high stromal content, scarce recruitment of immune cells, and the presence of neuronal fibers. Semaphorins and their receptors, plexins and neuropilins, comprise a wide family of regulatory signals that control neurons, endothelial and immune cells, embryo development, and normal tissue homeostasis, as well as the microenvironment of human tumors. We focus on the role of these molecular signals in pancreatic cancer progression, as revealed by experimental research and clinical studies, including novel approaches for cancer treatment.

Cellular responses after (neratinib plus pemetrexed) exposure in NSCLC cells

We previously demonstrated that neratinib interacted with pemetrexed to kill non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) cells. From developing other drug combinations, we observed that several days following exposure, cells activated survival mechanisms to counteract drug toxicity. The present studies attempted to define mechanisms that evolve to reduce the efficacy of neratinib and pemetrexed. Neratinib and pemetrexed synergized to kill NSCLC cells expressing wild-type RAS proteins, mutant KRAS (G12S; Q61H; G12A and G12C) or mutant NRAS (Q61K) or mutant ERBB1 (L858R; L858R T790M and exon 19 deletion). Neratinib and pemetrexed interacted in a greater than additive fashion to kill after 24 h, and after a further 24 h culture in the absence of drugs. Mutant KRAS G12V was more cytoprotective than either activated MEK1 or activated AKT. Knockdown of mutant KRAS reduced drug combination killing at the 48 h timepoint. Despite culture for 24 h in the absence of the drugs, the expression and activities of ERBB1, ERBB2 and ERBB4 remained significantly lower as did the activities of mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) C1 and mTORC2. The drug combination reduced KRAS and NRAS levels for 24 h, however, in the absence of the drugs, RAS levels had normalized by 48 h. Expression of Beclin1 and ATG5 remained elevated and of MCL1 and BCL-XL lower. No evolutionary activations of survival signaling by ERBB3, c-KIT, c-MET or PDGFRβ or in intracellular signaling pathways were observed. These findings argue against the development of 'early' resistance mechanisms after neratinib and pemetrexed exposure. Future studies will be required to understand how NSCLC cells become resistant to neratinib and pemetrexed.

Exploring the Role of YAP1 and TAZ in Pancreatic Acinar Cells and the Therapeutic Potential of VT-104 in Pancreatic Inflammation

Increasing evidences have linked the hippo pathway with the fibroinflammatory diseases. We generated a series of genetic knockout mice for targeting the key components of Hippo pathway to examine the individual effects of YAP1 and TAZ on pancreatic inflammation and evaluated the therapeutic potential of the YAP1/TAZ inhibitor VT-104. Mice with acinar-specific knockout of YAP1/TAZ did not exhibit any histological abnormalities in the pancreas. LATS1/2 deficiency induced acinar-to-ductal metaplasia, immune cell infiltration and fibroblast activation, which were rescued by the homozygous knockout YAP1, but not TAZ. Additionally, treatment with VT-104 also decreased pathological alterations induced by deletions of LATS1 and LATS2 in acinar cells. Our findings highlight the critical role of YAP1 in modulating pancreatic inflammation and demonstrate that VT-104 holds therapeutic potential to mitigate pancreatitis-associated pathological manifestations. Further exploration is necessary to unravel the underlying mechanisms and translate these insights into clinical applications.

Targeting KRAS in pancreatic adenocarcinoma: Progress in demystifying the holy grail

Pancreatic cancer (PC) remains one of the most challenging diseases, with a very poor 5-year overall survival of around 11.5%. Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) mutation is seen in 90%-95% of PC patients and plays an important role in cancer cell proliferation, differentiation, metabolism, and survival, making it an essential mutation for targeted therapy. Despite extensive efforts in studying this oncogene, there has been little success in finding a drug to target this pathway, labelling it for decades as "undruggable". In this article we summarize some of the efforts made to target the KRAS pathway in PC, discuss the challenges, and shed light on promising clinical trials.

Tumor matrix stiffness provides fertile soil for cancer stem cells

Matrix stiffness is a mechanical characteristic of the extracellular matrix (ECM) that increases from the tumor core to the tumor periphery in a gradient pattern in a variety of solid tumors and can promote proliferation, invasion, metastasis, drug resistance, and recurrence. Cancer stem cells (CSCs) are a rare subpopulation of tumor cells with self-renewal, asymmetric cell division, and differentiation capabilities. CSCs are thought to be responsible for metastasis, tumor recurrence, chemotherapy resistance, and consequently poor clinical outcomes. Evidence suggests that matrix stiffness can activate receptors and mechanosensor/mechanoregulator proteins such as integrin, FAK, and YAP, modulating the characteristics of tumor cells as well as CSCs through different molecular signaling pathways. A deeper understanding of the effect of matrix stiffness on CSCs characteristics could lead to development of innovative cancer therapies. In this review, we discuss how the stiffness of the ECM is sensed by the cells and how the cells respond to this environmental change as well as the effect of matrix stiffness on CSCs characteristics and also the key malignant processes such as proliferation and EMT. Then, we specifically focus on how increased matrix stiffness affects CSCs in breast, lung, liver, pancreatic, and colorectal cancers. We also discuss how the molecules responsible for increased matrix stiffness and the signaling pathways activated by the enhanced stiffness can be manipulated as a therapeutic strategy for cancer.

The Hippo Pathway Effectors YAP/TAZ-TEAD Oncoproteins as Emerging Therapeutic Targets in the Tumor Microenvironment

Various cancer cell-associated intrinsic and extrinsic inputs act on YAP/TAZ proteins to mediate the hyperactivation of the TEAD transcription factor-based transcriptome. This YAP/TAZ-TEAD activity can override the growth-limiting Hippo tumor-suppressor pathway that maintains normal tissue homeostasis. Herein, we provide an integrated summary of the contrasting roles of YAP/TAZ during normal tissue homeostasis versus tumor initiation and progression. In addition to upstream factors that regulate YAP/TAZ in the TME, critical insights on the emerging functions of YAP/TAZ in immune suppression and abnormal vasculature development during tumorigenesis are illustrated. Lastly, we discuss the current methods that intervene with the YAP/TAZ-TEAD oncogenic signaling pathway and the emerging applications of combination therapies, gut microbiota, and epigenetic plasticity that could potentiate the efficacy of chemo/immunotherapy as improved cancer therapeutic strategies.

Insights into recent findings and clinical application of YAP and TAZ in cancer

Decades of research have mapped out the basic mechanics of the Hippo pathway. The paralogues Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), as the central transcription control module of the Hippo pathway, have long been implicated in the progression of various human cancers. The current literature regarding oncogenic YAP and TAZ activities consists mostly of context-specific mechanisms and treatments of human cancers. Furthermore, a growing number of studies demonstrate tumour-suppressor functions of YAP and TAZ. In this Review we aim to synthesize an integrated perspective of the many disparate findings regarding YAP and TAZ in cancer. We then conclude with the various strategies for targeting and treating YAP- and TAZ-dependent cancers.

TEAD Inhibitors Sensitize KRASG12C Inhibitors via Dual Cell Cycle Arrest in KRASG12C-Mutant NSCLC

KRASG12C is one of the most common mutations detected in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients, and it is a marker of poor prognosis. The first FDA-approved KRASG12C inhibitors, sotorasib and adagrasib, have been an enormous breakthrough for patients with KRASG12C mutant NSCLC; however, resistance to therapy is emerging. The transcriptional coactivators YAP1/TAZ and the family of transcription factors TEAD1-4 are the downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway and regulate essential cellular processes such as cell proliferation and cell survival. YAP1/TAZ-TEAD activity has further been implicated as a mechanism of resistance to targeted therapies. Here, we investigate the effect of combining TEAD inhibitors with KRASG12C inhibitors in KRASG12C mutant NSCLC tumor models. We show that TEAD inhibitors, while being inactive as single agents in KRASG12C-driven NSCLC cells, enhance KRASG12C inhibitor-mediated anti-tumor efficacy in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the dual inhibition of KRASG12C and TEAD results in the downregulation of MYC and E2F signatures and in the alteration of the G2/M checkpoint, converging in an increase in G1 and a decrease in G2/M cell cycle phases. Our data suggest that the co-inhibition of KRASG12C and TEAD leads to a specific dual cell cycle arrest in KRASG12C NSCLC cells.

Biomolecular condensates: Formation mechanisms, biological functions, and therapeutic targets

Biomolecular condensates are cellular structures composed of membraneless assemblies comprising proteins or nucleic acids. The formation of these condensates requires components to change from a state of solubility separation from the surrounding environment by undergoing phase transition and condensation. Over the past decade, it has become widely appreciated that biomolecular condensates are ubiquitous in eukaryotic cells and play a vital role in physiological and pathological processes. These condensates may provide promising targets for the clinic research. Recently, a series of pathological and physiological processes have been found associated with the dysfunction of condensates, and a range of targets and methods have been demonstrated to modulate the formation of these condensates. A more extensive description of biomolecular condensates is urgently needed for the development of novel therapies. In this review, we summarized the current understanding of biomolecular condensates and the molecular mechanisms of their formation. Moreover, we reviewed the functions of condensates and therapeutic targets for diseases. We further highlighted the available regulatory targets and methods, discussed the significance and challenges of targeting these condensates. Reviewing the latest developments in biomolecular condensate research could be essential in translating our current knowledge on the use of condensates for clinical therapeutic strategies.

Spontaneously evolved progenitor niches escape Yap oncogene addiction in advanced pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas

Lineage plasticity has been proposed as a major source of intratumoral heterogeneity and therapeutic resistance. Here, by employing an inducible genetic engineered mouse model, we illustrate that lineage plasticity enables advanced Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma (PDAC) tumors to develop spontaneous relapse following elimination of the central oncogenic driver - Yap. Transcriptomic and immunohistochemistry analysis of a large panel of PDAC tumors reveals that within high-grade tumors, small niches of PDAC cells gradually evolve to re-activate pluripotent transcription factors (PTFs), which lessen their dependency on Yap. Comprehensive Cut&Tag analysis demonstrate that although acquisition of PTF expression is coupled with the process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT), PTFs form a core transcriptional regulatory circuitry (CRC) with Jun to overcome Yap dependency, which is distinct from the classic TGFb-induced EMT-TF network. A chemical-genetic screen and follow-up functional studies establish Brd4 as an epigenetic gatekeeper for the PTF-Jun CRC, and strong synergy between BET and Yap inhibitors in blocking PDAC growth.

Hyperglycaemia induces metabolic reprogramming into a glycolytic phenotype and promotes epithelial-mesenchymal transitions via YAP/TAZ-Hedgehog signalling axis in pancreatic cancer

BACKGROUND

Hyperglycaemia is a well-known initial symptom in patients with pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). Metabolic reprogramming in cancer, described as the Warburg effect, can induce epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT).

METHODS

The biological impact of hyperglycaemia on malignant behaviour in PDAC was examined by in vitro and in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

Hyperglycaemia promoted EMT by inducing metabolic reprogramming into a glycolytic phenotype via yes-associated protein (YAP)/PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) overexpression, accompanied by GLUT1 overexpression and enhanced phosphorylation Akt in PDAC. In addition, hyperglycaemia enhanced chemoresistance by upregulating ABCB1 expression and triggered PDAC switch into pure basal-like subtype with activated Hedgehog pathway (GLI1 high, GATA6 low expression) through YAP/TAZ overexpression. PDAC is characterised by abundant stroma that harbours tumour-promoting properties and chemoresistance. Hyperglycaemia promotes the production of collagen fibre-related proteins (fibronectin, fibroblast activation protein, COL1A1 and COL11A1) by stimulating YAP/TAZ expression in cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs). Knockdown of YAP and/or TAZ or treatment with YAP/TAZ inhibitor (K975) abolished EMT, chemoresistance and a favourable tumour microenvironment even under hyperglycemic conditions in vitro and in vivo.

CONCLUSION

Hyperglycaemia induces metabolic reprogramming into glycolytic phenotype and promotes EMT via YAP/TAZ-Hedgehog signalling axis, and YAP/TAZ could be a novel therapeutic target in PDAC.

Upregulated GPRC5A disrupting the Hippo pathway promotes the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer cells via the cAMP-CREB axis

BACKGROUND

Pancreatic cancer has a high mortality rate worldwide, and is predicted to be third leading cause of death in the near future. However, the regulatory mechanisms that inhibit the progression of pancreatic cancer remain elusive. Currently, exploring the function and mechanisms of GPCRs (G-protein coupled receptors) is an important way to discover promising therapeutic targets for cancer.

METHODS

GPRC5A expression was measured using real-time quantitative PCR, immunohistochemistry and western blot assays. Cell proliferation and migration were assessed using CCK-8, clone formation, wound-healing and transwell assays. A cytosolic/nuclear distribution experiment was used to detect the protein location transfer. A xenograft model of pancreatic cancer was established to explore the role of GPRC5A in vivo.

RESULTS

GPRC5A expression was increased in pancreatic cancer, and disruption of GPRC5A expression inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Mechanistically, GPRC5A positively regulated the transcription of YAP1 through cAMP-CREB signaling. Moreover, we show that the proliferation and migration induced by GPRC5A in pancreatic cancer could be rescued by inhibiting YAP1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

GPRC5A interacts with the Hippo pathway to promote the progression of pancreatic cancer. These findings reveal an important crosstalk model and provide potential targets for pancreatic cancer therapy.

Epithelial and stromal co-evolution and complicity in pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas are distinguished by their robust desmoplasia, or fibroinflammatory response. Dominated by non-malignant cells, the mutated epithelium must therefore combat, cooperate with or co-opt the surrounding cells and signalling processes in its microenvironment. It is proposed that an invasive pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma represents the coordinated evolution of malignant and non-malignant cells and mechanisms that subvert and repurpose normal tissue composition, architecture and physiology to foster tumorigenesis. The complex kinetics and stepwise development of pancreatic cancer suggests that it is governed by a discrete set of organizing rules and principles, and repeated attempts to target specific components within the microenvironment reveal self-regulating mechanisms of resistance. The histopathological and genetic progression models of the transforming ductal epithelium must therefore be considered together with a programme of stromal progression to create a comprehensive picture of pancreatic cancer evolution. Understanding the underlying organizational logic of the tumour to anticipate and pre-empt the almost inevitable compensatory mechanisms will be essential to eradicate the disease.

Emerging role of interaction between m6A and main ncRNAs in gastrointestinal (GI) cancers

As a prevalent epigenetic modification, the role of m6A has been increasingly highlighted in the alteration of numerous RNAs implicated with multiple biological processes, such as formation, export, translation, and degradation. With further the understanding of m6A, accumulating evidence shows that m6A modification similarly affects metabolic process of non-coding genes. But the specifical interplay of m6A and ncRNAs (non-coding RNAs) in gastrointestinal cancers still lacks complete discussion. Thus, we analyzed and summarized how ncRNAs affect the regulators of m6A and by what means the expression of ncRNAs is altered via m6A in gastrointestinal cancers. We focused on the effect of the interaction of m6A and ncRNAs on the molecular mechanisms of malignant behavior in gastrointestinal cancers, revealing more possibilities of ncRNAs for diagnosis and treatment in term of epigenetic modification.

The role of RAS oncogenes in controlling epithelial mechanics

Mutations in RAS are key oncogenic drivers and therapeutic targets. Oncogenic Ras proteins activate a network of downstream signalling pathways, including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), promoting cell proliferation and survival. However, there is increasing evidence that RAS oncogenes also alter the mechanical properties of both individual malignant cells and transformed tissues. Here we discuss the role of oncogenic RAS in controlling mechanical cell phenotypes and how these mechanical changes promote oncogenic transformation in single cells and tissues. RAS activation alters actin organisation and actomyosin contractility. These changes alter cell rheology and impact mechanosensing through changes in substrate adhesion and YAP/TAZ-dependent mechanotransduction. We then discuss how these changes play out in cell collectives and epithelial tissues by driving large-scale tissue deformations and the expansion of malignant cells. Uncovering how RAS oncogenes alter cell mechanics will lead to a better understanding of the morphogenetic processes that underlie tumour formation in RAS-mutant cancers.

TAZ/YAP fusion proteins: mechanistic insights and therapeutic opportunities

The Hippo pathway is dysregulated in many different cancers, but point mutations in the pathway are rare. Transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) and Yes-associated protein (YAP) fusion proteins have emerged in almost all major cancer types and represent the most common genetic mechanism by which the two transcriptional co-activators are activated. Given that the N termini of TAZ or YAP are fused to the C terminus of another transcriptional regulator, the resultant fusion proteins hyperactivate a TEAD transcription factor-based transcriptome. Recent advances show that the C-terminal fusion partners confer oncogenic properties to TAZ/YAP fusion proteins by recruiting epigenetic modifiers that promote a hybrid TEAD-based transcriptome. Elucidating these cooperating epigenetic complexes represents a strategy to identify new therapeutic approaches for a pathway that has been recalcitrant to medical therapy.

The role of YAP1 in survival prediction, immune modulation, and drug response: A pan-cancer perspective

Introduction

Dysregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway has been implicated in multiple pathologies, including cancer, and YAP1 is the major effector of the pathway. In this study, we assessed the role of YAP1 in prognostic value, immunomodulation, and drug response from a pan-cancer perspective.

Methods

We compared YAP1 expression between normal and cancerous tissues and among different pathologic stages survival analysis and gene set enrichment analysis were performed. Additionally, we performed correlation analyses of YAP1 expression with RNA modification-related gene expression, tumor mutation burden (TMB), microsatellite instability (MSI), immune checkpoint regulator expression, and infiltration of immune cells. Correlations between YAP1 expression and IC₅₀s (half-maximal inhibitory concentrations) of drugs in the CellMiner database were calculated.

Results

We found that YAP1 was aberrantly expressed in various cancer types and regulated by its DNA methylation and post-transcriptional modifications, particularly m6A methylation. High expression of YAP1 was associated with poor survival outcomes in ACC, BLCA, LGG, LUAD, and PAAD. YAP1 expression was negatively correlated with the infiltration of CD8+ T lymphocytes, CD4+ Th1 cells, T follicular helper cells, NKT cells, and activated NK cells, and positively correlated with the infiltration of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs) and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) in pan-cancer. Higher YAP1 expression showed upregulation of TGF-β signaling, Hedgehog signaling, and KRAS signaling. IC₅₀s of FDA-approved chemotherapeutic drugs capable of inhibiting DNA synthesis, including teniposide, dacarbazine, and doxorubicin, as well as inhibitors of hypoxia-inducible factor, MCL-1, ribonucleotide reductase, and FASN in clinical trials were negatively correlated with YAP1 expression.

Discussion

In conclusion, YAP1 is aberrantly expressed in various cancer types and regulated by its DNA methylation and post-transcriptional modifications. High expression of YAP1 is associated with poor survival outcomes in certain cancer types. YAP1 may promote tumor progression through immunosuppression, particularly by suppressing the infiltration of CD8+ T lymphocytes, CD4+ Th1 cells, T follicular helper cells, NKT cells, and activated NK cells, as well as recruiting MDSCs and CAFs in pan-cancer. The tumor-promoting activity of YAP1 is attributed to the activation of TGF-β, Hedgehog, and KRAS signaling pathways. AZD2858 and varlitinib might be effective in cancer patients with high YAP1 expression.

Opposite Effects of Src Family Kinases on YAP and ERK Activation in Pancreatic Cancer Cells: Implications for Targeted Therapy

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains an aggressive disease that is expected to become the second cause of cancer fatalities during the next decade. As therapeutic options are limited, novel targets, and agents for therapeutic intervention are urgently needed. Previously, we identified potent positive crosstalk between insulin/IGF-1 receptors and G protein-coupled (GPCR) signaling systems leading to mitogenic signaling in PDAC cells. Here, we show that a combination of insulin and the GPCR agonist neurotensin induced rapid activation of Src family of tyrosine kinases (SFK) within PANC-1 cells, as shown by FAK phosphorylation at Tyr576/577 and Tyr861, sensitive biomarkers of SFK activity within intact cells and Src416 autophosphorylation. Crucially, SFKs promoted YAP nuclear localization and phosphorylation at Tyr357, as shown by using the SFK inhibitors dasatinib, saracatinib, the preferential YES1 inhibitor CH6953755, siRNA-mediated knockdown of YES1, and transfection of epitogue-tagged YAP mutants in PANC-1 and Mia PaCa-2 cancer cells, models of the aggressive squamous subtype of PDAC. Surprisingly, our results also demonstrate that exposure to SFK inhibitors, including dasatinib or knockdown of YES and Src induces ERK overactivation in PDAC cells. Dasatinib-induced ERK activation was completely abolished by exposure to the FDA-approved MEK inhibitor trametinib. A combination of dasatinib and trametinib potently and synergistically inhibited colony formation by PDAC cells and suppressed the growth of Mia PaCa-2 cells xenografted into the flank of nude mice. The results provide rationale for considering a combination(s) of FDA-approved SFK (dasatinib) and MEK (e.g., trametinib) inhibitors in prospective clinical trials for the treatment of PDAC.

Drugging KRAS: current perspectives and state-of-art review

After decades of efforts, we have recently made progress into targeting KRAS mutations in several malignancies. Known as the ‘holy grail’ of targeted cancer therapies, KRAS is the most frequently mutated oncogene in human malignancies. Under normal conditions, KRAS shuttles between the GDP-bound ‘off’ state and the GTP-bound ‘on’ state. Mutant KRAS is constitutively activated and leads to persistent downstream signaling and oncogenesis. In 2013, improved understanding of KRAS biology and newer drug designing technologies led to the crucial discovery of a cysteine drug-binding pocket in GDP-bound mutant KRAS G12C protein. Covalent inhibitors that block mutant KRAS G12C were successfully developed and sotorasib was the first KRAS G12C inhibitor to be approved, with several more in the pipeline. Simultaneously, effects of KRAS mutations on tumour microenvironment were also discovered, partly owing to the universal use of immune checkpoint inhibitors. In this review, we discuss the discovery, biology, and function of KRAS in human malignancies. We also discuss the relationship between KRAS mutations and the tumour microenvironment, and therapeutic strategies to target KRAS. Finally, we review the current clinical evidence and ongoing clinical trials of novel agents targeting KRAS and shine light on resistance pathways known so far.

Targeting the Hippo Pathway in Gastric Cancer and Other Malignancies in the Digestive System: From Bench to Bedside

The Hippo pathway is an evolutionally conserved signaling cascade that controls organ size and tissue regeneration under physiological conditions, and its aberrations have been well studied to promote tumor initiation and progression. Dysregulation of the Hippo tumor suppressor signaling frequently occurs in gastric cancer (GC) and other solid tumors and contributes to cancer development through modulating multiple aspects, including cell proliferation, survival, metastasis, and oncotherapy resistance. In the clinic, Hippo components also possess diagnostic and prognostic values for cancer patients. Considering its crucial role in driving tumorigenesis, targeting the Hippo pathway may greatly benefit developing novel cancer therapies. This review summarizes the current research progress regarding the core components and regulation of the Hippo pathway, as well as the mechanism and functional roles of their dysregulation in gastrointestinal malignancies, especially in GC, and discusses the therapeutic potential of targeting the Hippo pathway against cancers.

Pan-KRAS inhibitors suppress proliferation through feedback regulation in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is currently one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. Several basic studies have confirmed that Kirsten rat sarcoma virus (KRAS) is a key driver gene for the occurrence of PDAC, and KRAS mutations have also been found in most patients in clinical studies. In this study, two pan-KRAS inhibitors, BI-2852 and BAY-293, were chosen as chemical probes to investigate their antitumor potency in PDAC. Their inhibitory effects on KRAS activation were validated in vitro and their antiproliferative potency in PDAC cell lines were profiled, with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of approximately 1 μM, demonstrating the therapeutic potential of pan-KRAS inhibitors in the treatment of PDAC. However, feedback regulation in the KRAS pathway weakened inhibitor activity, which was observed by a 50 times difference in BAY-293 from in vitro activity. Furthermore, pan-KRAS inhibitors effectively inhibited cell proliferation in 3D organoids cultured from PDAC patient samples; however, there were some variations between individuals. These results provide a sufficient theoretical foundation for KRAS as a clinical therapeutic target and for the application of pan-KRAS inhibitors in the treatment of PDAC, with important scientific significance in translational medicine.

KRAS as a Key Oncogene in the Clinical Precision Diagnosis and Treatment of Pancreatic Cancer

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most malignant tumors, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 10%. At present, the comprehensive treatment based on surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy has encountered a bottleneck, and targeted immunotherapy turns to be the direction of future development. About 90% of PDAC patients have KRAS mutations, and KRAS has been widely used in the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of PDAC in recent years. With the development of liquid biopsy and gene testing, KRAS is expected to become a new biomarker to assist the stratification and prognosis of PDAC patients. An increasing number of small molecule inhibitors acting on the KRAS pathway are being developed and put into the clinic, providing more options for PDAC patients.

Recent insight into the role and therapeutic potential of YAP/TAZ in gastrointestinal cancers

With the rapid development of cancer treatment, gastrointestinal (GI) cancers are still the most prevalent malignancies with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Dysregulation of the Hippo signaling pathway has been recognized to play a critical role during cancer development and adopted for monitoring disease progression and therapy response. Despite the well-documented tumor proliferation and metastasis, recent efforts in two core Hippo components, Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ), have identified as the driving forces behind cancer metabolism, stemness, tumor immunity, and therapy resistance. Understanding the molecular mechanisms by which YAP/TAZ facilitates the tumorigenesis and progression of GI cancer, and identifying novel therapeutic strategies for targeting YAP/TAZ are crucial to GI cancer treatment and prevention. In this study, we summarize the latest findings on the function and regulatory mechanisms of YAP/TAZ in GI cancers, and highlight the translational significance of targeting YAP/TAZ for cancer therapies.

The RNA-Binding Protein HuR Posttranscriptionally Regulates the Protumorigenic Activator YAP1 in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma

Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is indispensable for the development of mutant KRAS-driven pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC). High YAP1 mRNA is a prognostic marker for worse overall survival in patient samples; however, the regulatory mechanisms that mediate its overexpression are not well understood. YAP1 genetic alterations are rare in PDAC, suggesting that its dysregulation is likely not due to genetic events. HuR is an RNA-binding protein whose inhibition impacts many cancer-associated pathways, including the "conserved YAP1 signature" as demonstrated by gene set enrichment analysis. Screening publicly available and internal ribonucleoprotein immunoprecipitation (RNP-IP) RNA sequencing (RNA-Seq) data sets, we discovered that YAP1 is a high-confidence target, which was validated in vitro with independent RNP-IPs and 3' untranslated region (UTR) binding assays. In accordance with our RNA sequencing analysis, transient inhibition (e.g., small interfering RNA [siRNA] and small-molecular inhibition) and CRISPR knockout of HuR significantly reduced expression of YAP1 and its transcriptional targets. We used these data to develop a HuR activity signature (HAS), in which high expression predicts significantly worse overall and disease-free survival in patient samples. Importantly, the signature strongly correlates with YAP1 mRNA expression. These findings highlight a novel mechanism of YAP1 regulation, which may explain how tumor cells maintain YAP1 mRNA expression at dynamic times during pancreatic tumorigenesis.

Emerging roles of the Hippo signaling pathway in modulating immune response and inflammation-driven tissue repair and remodeling

Inflammation is an evolutionarily conserved process and part of the body's defense mechanism. Inflammation leads to the activation of immune and non-immune cells that protect the host tissue/organs from injury or intruding pathogens. The Hippo pathway is an evolutionarily conserved kinase cascade with an established role in regulating cell proliferation, survival, and differentiation. It is involved in diverse biological processes, including organ size control and tissue homeostasis. Recent clinical and pre-clinical studies have shown that the Hippo signaling pathway is also associated with injury- and pathogen-induced tissue inflammation and associated immunopathology. In this review, we have summarized the recent findings related to the involvement of the Hippo signaling pathway in modulating the immune response in different acute and chronic inflammatory diseases and its impact on tissue repair and remodeling.

Establishment of a pancreatic cancer animal model using the pancreas-targeted hydrodynamic gene delivery method

This research developed an easy-to-use, reproducible pancreatic cancer animal model utilizing pancreas-targeted hydrodynamic gene delivery to deliver human pancreatic cancer-related genes to the pancreas of wild-type rats. KRAS^G12D-induced pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia lesions showed malignant transformation in the main pancreatic duct at 4 weeks and developed acinar-to-ductal metaplasia, which led to pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma within 5 weeks, and the gene combination of KRAS^G12D and YAP enhanced these effects. The repeat hydrodynamic gene delivery of KRAS^G12D + YAP combination at 4 weeks showed acinar-to-ductal metaplasia in all rats and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma in 80% of rats 1 week later. Metastatic tumors in the liver, lymph nodes, and subcutaneous lesions and nervous invasion were confirmed. KRAS^G12D and YAP combined transfer contributes to the E- to N-cadherin switch in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma cells and to tumor metastases. This pancreatic cancer model will speed up pancreatic cancer research for novel treatments and biomarkers for early diagnosis.

Functions of Yes-association protein (YAP) in cancer progression and anticancer therapy resistance

The Hippo pathway, a highly conserved kinase cascade, regulates cell proliferation, apoptosis, organ size, and tissue homeostasis. Dysregulation of this pathway reportedly plays an important role in the progression of various human cancers. Yes-association protein (YAP), the Hippo pathway’s core effector, is considered a marker for cancer therapy and patient prognosis. In addition, studies have indicated that YAP is involved in promoting anticancer drug resistance. This review summarizes current knowledge on YAP’s role in cancer progression, anticancer drug resistance, and advances in the development of YAP-targeting drugs. A thorough understanding of the complex interactions among molecular, cellular, and environmental factors concerning YAP function in cancer progression may provide new insight into the underlying mechanism of anticancer drug resistance. It might lead to improved prognosis through novel combined therapies.

The integrated stress response in the induction of mutant KRAS lung carcinogenesis: Mechanistic insights and therapeutic implications

The integrated stress response (ISR) is a key determinant of tumorigenesis in response to oncogenic forms of stress like genotoxic, proteotoxic and metabolic stress. ISR relies on the phosphorylation of the translation initiation factor eIF2 to promote the translational and transcriptional reprogramming of gene expression in stressed cells. While ISR promotes tumor survival under stress, its hyperactivation above a level of tolerance can also cause tumor death. The tumorigenic function of ISR has been recently demonstrated for lung adenocarcinomas (LUAD) with KRAS mutations. ISR mediates the translational repression of the dual-specificity phosphatase DUSP6 to stimulate ERK activity and LUAD growth. The significance of this finding is highlighted by the strong anti-tumor responses of ISR inhibitors in pre-clinical LUAD models. Elucidation of the mechanisms of ISR action in LUAD progression via cell-autonomous and immune regulatory mechanisms will provide a better understanding of its tumorigenic role to fully exploit its therapeutic potential in the treatment of a deadly form of cancer.

Activated TAZ induces liver cancer in collaboration with EGFR/HER2 signaling pathways

Background

Liver cancer is a major global health concern due to the steady increases in its incidence and mortality. Transcription factors, yes-associated protein (YAP) and WW domain-containing transcription regulator protein 1 (WWTR1, also known as TAZ) have emerged as critical regulators in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and cholangiocarcinoma (CC), the two major types of primary liver cancer. However, our study as well as other previous reports have shown that activation of YAP and TAZ (YAP/TAZ) in adult murine livers is insufficient for the development of liver cancer, suggesting a requirement for an additional oncogenic collaborator for liver carcinogenesis in adulthood. Therefore, we sought to identify the oncogenic partners of YAP/TAZ that promote hepatocarcinogenesis in adults.

Methods

Data analysis of the transcriptome of patients with liver cancer was performed using the national center for biotechnology information (NCBI) gene expression omnibus (GEO) database and the cancer genome atlas (TCGA). The cancer therapeutics response portal (CTRP) was used to investigate the correlation between sensitivity to chemicals and the copy number of TAZ in human cancer cell lines. Transposons encoding constitutively activated forms of TAZ (TAZ^S89A), BRAF (BRAF^V600E), and PIK3CA (PI3K^E545K) were used for hydrodynamic tail vein injection. Mice were monitored at least twice per week and sacrificed when moribund. Tumor-bearing livers were formalin fixed for hematoxylin–eosin staining and immunohistochemistry.

Results

Through database analyses, we identified EGFR/HER2 signaling to be essential in human cancers with high TAZ activity. Furthermore, immunohistochemical analyses showed that human HCC and CC tissues with high YAP/TAZ activities exhibited concomitant activation of EGFR/HER2 signaling pathways. To demonstrate that EGFR/HER2 signaling promotes YAP/TAZ-mediated hepatocarcinogenesis, TAZ^S89A was simultaneously expressed in murine adult livers with BRAF^V600E or PI3K^E545K, activated forms of effector molecules downstream of EGFR/HER2 signaling pathways. Expression of TAZ^S89A plus BRAF^V600E induced HCC, whereas TAZ^S89A and PI3K^E545K led to the development of CC-like cancer.

Conclusions

Our study demonstrates that TAZ collaborates with EGFR/HER2 signaling pathways to induce both HCC and CC.

Supplementary information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12885-022-09516-1.

Mechanical Cues, E-Cadherin Expression and Cell "Sociality" Are Crucial Crossroads in Determining Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma Cells Behavior

E-cadherin, an epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) marker, is coupled to actin cytoskeleton and distributes cell forces acting on cells. Since YAP transduces mechanical signals involving actin cytoskeleton, we aimed to investigate the relationship between YAP and mechanical cues in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) cell lines, characterized by different EMT-related phenotypes, cultured in 2D monolayers and 3D spheroids. We observed that the YAP/p-YAP ratio was reduced in HPAC and MIA PaCa-2 cell lines and remained unchanged in BxPC-3 cells when cultured in a 3D setting. CTGF and CYR61 gene expression were down-regulated in all PDAC 3D compared to 2D cultures, without any significant effect following actin cytoskeleton inhibition by Cytochalasin B (CyB) treatment. Moreover, LATS1 mRNA, indicating the activation of the Hippo pathway, was not influenced by CyB and differed in all PDAC cell lines having different EMT-related phenotype but a similar pattern of CTGF and CYR61 expression. Although the role of YAP modulation in response to mechanical cues in cancer cells remains to be completely elucidated, our results suggest that cell arrangement and phenotype can determine variable outcomes to mechanical stimuli in PDAC cells. Moreover, it is possible to speculate that YAP and Hippo pathways may act as parallel and not exclusive inputs that, converging at some points, may impact cell behavior.

Molecular signaling in pancreatic ductal metaplasia: emerging biomarkers for detection and intervention of early pancreatic cancer

Pancreatic ductal metaplasia (PDM) is the transformation of potentially various types of cells in the pancreas into ductal or ductal-like cells, which eventually replace the existing differentiated somatic cell type(s). PDM is usually triggered by and manifests its ability to adapt to environmental stimuli and genetic insults. The development of PDM to atypical hyperplasia or dysplasia is an important risk factor for pancreatic intraepithelial neoplasia (PanIN) and pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDA). Recent studies using genetically engineered mouse models, cell lineage tracing, single-cell sequencing and others have unraveled novel cellular and molecular insights in PDM formation and evolution. Those novel findings help better understand the cellular origins and functional significance of PDM and its regulation at cellular and molecular levels. Given that PDM represents the earliest pathological changes in PDA initiation and development, translational studies are beginning to define PDM-associated cell and molecular biomarkers that can be used to screen and detect early PDA and to enable its effective intervention, thereby truly and significantly reducing the dreadful mortality rate of PDA. This review will describe recent advances in the understanding of PDM biology with a focus on its underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms, and in biomarker discovery with clinical implications for the management of pancreatic regeneration and tumorigenesis.

Food-Related Carbonyl Stress in Cardiometabolic and Cancer Risk Linked to Unhealthy Modern Diet

Carbonyl stress is a condition characterized by an increase in the steady-state levels of reactive carbonyl species (RCS) that leads to accumulation of their irreversible covalent adducts with biological molecules. RCS are generated by the oxidative cleavage and cellular metabolism of lipids and sugars. In addition to causing damage directly, the RCS adducts, advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) and advanced lipoxidation end-products (ALEs), cause additional harm by eliciting chronic inflammation through receptor-mediated mechanisms. Hyperglycemia- and dyslipidemia-induced carbonyl stress plays a role in diabetic cardiovascular complications and diabetes-related cancer risk. Moreover, the increased dietary exposure to AGEs/ALEs could mediate the impact of the modern, highly processed diet on cardiometabolic and cancer risk. Finally, the transient carbonyl stress resulting from supraphysiological postprandial spikes in blood glucose and lipid levels may play a role in acute proinflammatory and proatherogenic changes occurring after a calorie dense meal. These findings underline the potential importance of carbonyl stress as a mediator of the cardiometabolic and cancer risk linked to today’s unhealthy diet. In this review, current knowledge in this field is discussed along with future research courses to offer new insights and open new avenues for therapeutic interventions to prevent diet-associated cardiometabolic disorders and cancer.

Impaired CXCL12 signaling contributes to resistance of pancreatic cancer subpopulations to T cell-mediated cytotoxicity

Pancreatic cancer remains largely unresponsive to immune modulatory therapy attributable in part to an immunosuppressive, desmoplastic tumor microenvironment. Here, we analyze mechanisms of cancer cell-autonomous resistance to T cells. We used a 3D co-culture model of cancer cell spheroids from the KPC (LSL-KrasG12D/+ /LSL-Trp53R172H/+ /p48-Cre) pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) model, to examine interactions with tumor-educated T cells isolated from draining lymph nodes of PDAC-bearing mice. Subpopulations of cancer cells resistant to these tumor-educated T cells were isolated from the in vitro co-culture and their properties compared with sensitive cancer cells. In co-culture with resistant cancer cell subpopulations, tumor-educated T cells showed reduced effector T cell functionality, reduced infiltration into tumor cell spheroids and decreased induction of apoptosis. A combination of comparative transcriptomic analyses, cytometric and immunohistochemistry techniques allowed us to dissect the role of differential gene expression and signaling pathways between sensitive and resistant cells. A decreased expression of the chemokine CXCL12 (SDF-1) was revealed as a common feature in the resistant cell subpopulations. Adding back CXCL12 reversed the resistant phenotype and was inhibited by the CXCR4 inhibitor AMD3100 (plerixafor). We conclude that reduced CXCL12 signaling contributes to PDAC subpopulation resistance to T cell-mediated attack.