• Media type: E-Article
  • Title: Endothelial YAP/TAZ Signaling in Angiogenesis and Tumor Vasculature
  • Contributor: Hooglugt, Aukie; van der Stoel, Miesje M.; Boon, Reinier A.; Huveneers, Stephan
  • Published: Frontiers Media SA, 2021
  • Published in: Frontiers in Oncology, 10 (2021)
  • Language: Without Specification
  • DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2020.612802
  • ISSN: 2234-943X
  • Origination:
  • Footnote:
  • Description: Solid tumors are dependent on vascularization for their growth. The hypoxic, stiff, and pro-angiogenic tumor microenvironment induces angiogenesis, giving rise to an immature, proliferative, and permeable vasculature. The tumor vessels promote tumor metastasis and complicate delivery of anti-cancer therapies. In many types of tumors, YAP/TAZ activation is correlated with increased levels of angiogenesis. In addition, endothelial YAP/TAZ activation is important for the formation of new blood and lymphatic vessels during development. Oncogenic activation of YAP/TAZ in tumor cell growth and invasion has been studied in great detail, however the role of YAP/TAZ within the tumor endothelium remains insufficiently understood, which complicates therapeutic strategies aimed at targeting YAP/TAZ in cancer. Here, we overview the upstream signals from the tumor microenvironment that control endothelial YAP/TAZ activation and explore the role of their downstream targets in driving tumor angiogenesis. We further discuss the potential for anti-cancer treatments and vascular normalization strategies to improve tumor therapies.
  • Access State: Open Access