Tankyrase Inhibitors Target YAP by Stabilizing Angiomotin Family Proteins

As the key effector in the Hippo pathway, YAP was identified as an oncoprotein whose expression is elevated in various human cancers. However, the development of potentially therapeutic compounds targeting YAP has been slow and limited. Here, we find that tankyrase inhibitors suppress YAP activity. This effect is mediated by anigomotin (AMOT) family proteins. Tankyrases associate with AMOT family proteins and promote their degradation through E3 ligase RNF146. By antagonizing tankyrase activity, tankyrase inhibitors stabilize AMOT family proteins, thereby suppressing YAP oncogenic functions. Together, our studies not only demonstrate the tankyrase-RNF146-AMOT axis as an upstream pathway regulating YAP but also reveal a therapeutic opportunity in targeting YAP for cancer treatment. [Display omitted] •Tankyrase inhibitors suppress YAP activity•The Tankyrase-RNF146 axis promotes the degradation of angiomotin family proteins•Tankyrase inhibitors target YAP by stabilizing angiomotin family proteins YAP is an oncoprotein whose expression is elevated in various human cancers; however, the development of potentially therapeutic compounds targeting YAP has been slow. Wang et al. report that tankyrase inhibitors inhibit YAP oncogenic activity by stabilizing angiomotin family proteins via the tankyrase-RNF146 axis.