Targeting YAP1/TAZ in nonsmall-cell lung carcinoma: From molecular mechanisms to precision medicine

Int J Cancer. 2023 Feb 15;152(4):558-571. doi: 10.1002/ijc.34249. Epub 2022 Aug 29.

Abstract

Accumulating evidence has underscored the importance of the Hippo-YAP1 signaling in lung tissue homeostasis, whereas its deregulation induces tumorigenesis. YAP1 and its paralog TAZ are the key downstream effectors tightly controlled by the Hippo pathway. YAP1/TAZ exerts oncogenic activities by transcriptional regulation via physical interaction with TEAD transcription factors. In solid tumors, Hippo-YAP1 crosstalks with other signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, receptor tyrosine kinase cascade, Notch and TGF-β to synergistically drive tumorigenesis. As YAP1/TAZ expression is significantly correlated with unfavorable outcomes for the patients, small molecules have been developed for targeting YAP1/TAZ to get a therapeutic effect. In this review, we summarize the recent findings on the deregulation of Hippo-YAP1 pathway in nonsmall cell lung carcinoma, discuss the molecular mechanisms of its dysregulation in leading to tumorigenesis, explore the therapeutic strategies for targeting YAP1/TAZ, and provide the research directions for deep investigation. We believe that detailed delineation of Hippo-YAP1 regulation in tumorigenesis provides novel insight for accurate therapeutic intervention.

Keywords: TAZ; YAP1; nonsmall cell lung carcinoma.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / genetics
  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism
  • Carcinogenesis / genetics
  • Carcinogenesis / metabolism
  • Carcinoma*
  • Carcinoma, Non-Small-Cell Lung* / genetics
  • Humans
  • Lung / metabolism
  • Lung Neoplasms* / genetics
  • Precision Medicine
  • Trans-Activators / metabolism
  • YAP-Signaling Proteins

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Trans-Activators
  • YAP-Signaling Proteins