PUBLICATION

Optogenetic control of YAP cellular localisation and function

Authors
Toh, P.J.Y., Lai, J.K.H., Hermann, A., Destaing, O., Sheetz, M.P., Sudol, M., Saunders, T.E.
ID
ZDB-PUB-220726-29
Date
2022
Source
EMBO reports   23(9): e54401 (Journal)
Registered Authors
Lai, Jason, Saunders, Timothy Edward
Keywords
YAP, cell proliferation, optogenetics, spatiotemporal dynamics, zebrafish
MeSH Terms
  • Animals
  • Cell Nucleus/metabolism
  • Cell Proliferation/physiology
  • Optogenetics
  • Signal Transduction*
  • Zebrafish*/genetics
PubMed
35876586 Full text @ EMBO Rep.
Abstract
YAP, an effector of the Hippo signalling pathway, promotes organ growth and regeneration. Prolonged YAP activation results in uncontrolled proliferation and cancer. Therefore, exogenous regulation of YAP activity has potential translational applications. We present a versatile optogenetic construct (optoYAP) for manipulating YAP localisation, and consequently its activity and function. We attach a LOV2 domain that photocages a nuclear localisation signal (NLS) to the N-terminus of YAP. In 488 nm light, the LOV2 domain unfolds, exposing the NLS, which shuttles optoYAP into the nucleus. Nuclear import of optoYAP is reversible and tuneable by light intensity. In cell culture, activated optoYAP promotes YAP target gene expression and cell proliferation. Similarly, optofYap can be used in zebrafish embryos to modulate target genes. We demonstrate that optoYAP can override a cell's response to substrate stiffness to generate anchorage-independent growth. OptoYAP is functional in both cell culture and in vivo, providing a powerful tool to address basic research questions and therapeutic applications in regeneration and disease.
Genes / Markers
Figures
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Expression
Phenotype
Mutations / Transgenics
Human Disease / Model
Sequence Targeting Reagents
Fish
Antibodies
Orthology
Engineered Foreign Genes
Mapping