Open AccessRegulation of TAZ in cancer
Author(s) -
Xin Zhou,
Qun-Ying Lei
Publication year - 2016
Publication title -
protein and cell
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.973
H-Index - 63
eISSN - 1674-8018
pISSN - 1674-800X
DOI - 10.1007/s13238-016-0288-z
Subject(s) - human genetics , developmental biology , biology , stem cell , cancer research , genetics , computational biology , medicine , gene
TAZ, a transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif, is encoded by WWTR1 gene (WW domain containing transcription regulator 1). TAZ is tightly regulated in the hippo pathway-dependent and -independent manner in response to a wide range of extracellular and intrinsic signals, including cell density, cell polarity, F-actin related mechanical stress, ligands of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), cellular energy status, hypoxia and osmotic stress. Besides its role in normal tissue development, TAZ plays critical roles in cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, migration, invasion, epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), and stemness in multiple human cancers. We discuss here the regulators and regulation of TAZ. We also highlight the tumorigenic roles of TAZ and its potential therapeutic impact in human cancers.