Opposing activities of the Ras and Hippo pathways converge on regulation of YAP protein turnover

Xin Hong, Thanh Hung Nguyen, Qingfeng Chen, Rui Zhang, Zandra Hagman, P Mathijs Voorhoeve, Stephen M Cohen

79 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Cancer genomes accumulate numerous genetic and epigenetic modifications. Yet, human cellular transformation can be accomplished by a few genetically defined elements. These elements activate key pathways required to support replicative immortality and anchorage independent growth, a predictor of tumorigenesis in vivo. Here, we provide evidence that the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway is a key barrier to Ras-mediated cellular transformation. The Hippo pathway targets YAP1 for degradation via the βTrCP-SCF ubiquitin ligase complex. In contrast, the Ras pathway acts oppositely, to promote YAP1 stability through downregulation of the ubiquitin ligase complex substrate recognition factors SOCS5/6. Depletion of SOCS5/6 or upregulation of YAP1 can bypass the requirement for oncogenic Ras in anchorage independent growth in vitro and tumor formation in vivo. Through the YAP1 target, Amphiregulin, Ras activates the endogenous EGFR pathway, which is required for transformation. Thus, the oncogenic activity of Ras(V12) depends on its ability to counteract Hippo pathway activity, creating a positive feedback loop, which depends on stabilization of YAP1.

Original languageEnglish
JournalE M B O Journal
Volume33
Issue number21
Pages (from-to)2447-2457
Number of pages11
ISSN0261-4189
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 3 Nov 2014

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