The transcriptional regulator YAP induces Notch-pathway activity in hepatocytes and hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Aims: The Hippo-pathway regulates organ size and homeostasis. Studies revealed that deletion of Hippo-pathway kinases (e.g. Mst1/2) or overexpression of the transcriptional co-activator YAP lead to liver cancer; however, the underlying molecular mechanism have not identified so far. We therefore aimed to define possible effector mechanisms mediating YAP-dependent oncogenic activity in liver cancer. Methods: SiRNA-knockdown, expression profiling, and functional assays were performed using HCC cell lines. Gene expression and protein interaction were analyzed by immunoblotting or RT-PCR and co-immunoprecipitation,…