New Kids on the Block: The Emerging Role of YAP/TAZ in Vascular Cell Mechanotransduction

Abstract

YAP and TAZ are transcriptional coactivators controlled by the Hippo signaling pathway and by actin dynamics, and that are critical for cell growth and organ size control. YAP and TAZ are exquisitely sensitive to mechanical cues, such as substrate stiffness and shear stress, and the realization is growing that they play roles in arterial remodeling and aneurysm formation. This chapter discusses how YAP and TAZ are activated by mechanical cues, their potential arterial target genes, and plausible roles of YAP/TAZ in arterial health and disease. It is concluded that local and specific strategies are needed for YAP/TAZ targeting in cardiovascular disease treatment.