AI Article Synopsis
- Biomolecular condensates are membraneless cell compartments that form through liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), playing a crucial role in both normal cellular functions and cancer development.
- Recent research shows how these condensates influence the Hippo signaling pathway, which is vital for organ development and cancer progression, particularly impacting the YAP and TAZ proteins.
- The review emphasizes the potential of targeting these condensates in cancer treatment, as they can alter gene expression and promote tumor growth by changing how transcriptional co-activators and chromatin interact.
Article Abstract
Biomolecular condensates, the membraneless cellular compartments formed by liquid-liquid phase separation (LLPS), represent an important mechanism for physiological and tumorigenic processes. Recent studies have advanced our understanding of how these condensates formed in the cytoplasm or nucleus regulate Hippo signaling, a central player in organogenesis and tumorigenesis. Here, we review recent findings on the dynamic formation and function of biomolecular condensates in regulating the Hippo-yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcription coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) signaling pathway under physiological and pathological processes. We further discuss how the nuclear condensates of YAP- or TAZ-fusion oncoproteins compartmentalize crucial transcriptional co-activators and alter chromatin architecture to promote oncogenic programs. Finally, we highlight key questions regarding how these findings may pave the way for novel therapeutics to target cancer.
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| http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.tcb.2024.04.009 | DOI Listing |
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