Exploration of a new drug that targets YAP

Yes-associated protein (YAP) has been shown to play a critical role in the growth of various tumours. Phosphorylation of Ser127 of YAP leads to the inhibition of YAP translocation into nucleus and subsequent failure to regulate the expression of target genes that induce cell proliferation. Chemical manipulation of YAP localization or expression may provide an efficient method for cancer treatment. In a recent work published by Bao et al. (J. Biochem. 2011;150:199-208), various compounds were screened in human osteosarcoma cells that stably express Green Fluorescent Protein-labeled YAP by monitoring subcellular localization of GFP-YAP. Using this cell-based assay, they found that dobutamine, a β-adrenergic receptor agonist, attenuated YAP-dependent transcription by inhibiting its nuclear translocation. The authors suggest dobutamine as a possible drug for cancer treatment.