Integrin-FAK-CDC42-PP1A signaling gnaws at YAP/TAZ activity to control incisor stem cells

Bioessays. 2017 Oct;39(10):10.1002/bies.201700116. doi: 10.1002/bies.201700116. Epub 2017 Sep 11.

Abstract

How epithelial tissues are able to self-renew to maintain homeostasis and regenerate in response to injury remains a persistent question. The transcriptional effectors YAP and TAZ are increasingly being recognized as central mediators of epithelial stem cell biology, and a wealth of recent studies have been directed at understanding the control and activity of these factors. Recent work by Hu et al. has added to this knowledge, as they identify an Integrin-FAK-CDC42-PP1A signaling cascade that directs nuclear YAP/TAZ activity in stem cell populations of the mouse incisor, and define convergence on mTORC1 signaling as an important mediator of the proliferation of these cells. Here, we review recent studies on YAP/TAZ function and regulation in epithelial tissue-specific stem cells, merging the Hu et al. study together with our current knowledge of YAP/TAZ.

Keywords: YAP/TAZ; stem cells.

Publication types

  • Review
  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing / metabolism*
  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Incisor / cytology*
  • Integrins / metabolism*
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins / metabolism*
  • Mice
  • Signal Transduction
  • Stem Cells / cytology*
  • Stem Cells / metabolism*
  • Transcription Factors / metabolism*
  • cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein / metabolism*

Substances

  • Adaptor Proteins, Signal Transducing
  • Integrins
  • Intracellular Signaling Peptides and Proteins
  • Transcription Factors
  • cdc42 GTP-Binding Protein