bims-ectoca 2024-06-02 papers

Issue of 2024‒06‒02
two papers selected by
Ankita Daiya, Birla Institute of Technology and Science

Trends Cell Biol. 2024 May 27. pii: S0962-8924(24)00096-5. [Epub ahead of print]

Biomolecular condensates: hubs of Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling in cancer.

Karrie M Kiang, Leena Ahad, Xiaowen Zhong, Q Richard Lu.

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.

Keywords: Hippo signaling; biomolecular condensate; fusion oncoprotein; phase separation; tumorigenesis

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tcb.2024.04.009

Curr Opin Cell Biol. 2024 May 28. pii: S0955-0674(24)00055-3. [Epub ahead of print]88 102376

Chromatin plasticity in mechanotransduction.

Maria Vivo, Valentina Rosti, Sara Cervone, Chiara Lanzuolo.

Living organisms can detect and respond to physical forces at the cellular level. The pathways that transmit these forces to the nucleus allow cells to react quickly and consistently to environmental changes. Mechanobiology involves the interaction between physical forces and biological processes and is crucial for driving embryonic development and adapting to environmental cues during adulthood. Molecular studies have shown that cells can sense mechanical signals directly through membrane receptors linked to the cytoskeleton or indirectly through biochemical cascades that can influence gene expression for environmental adaptation. This review will explore the role of epigenetic modifications, emphasizing the 3D genome architecture and nuclear structures as responders to mechanical stimuli, which ensure cellular memory and adaptability. Understanding how mechanical cues are transduced and regulate cell functioning, governing processes such as cell programming and reprogramming, is essential for advancing our knowledge of human diseases.

DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ceb.2024.102376