A New Player in Neuroblastoma: YAP and Its Role in the Neuroblastoma Microenvironment

• Authors: Jenny Shim, Emory University; Kelly Goldsmith, Emory University
• Journal Title: CANCERS
• Volume: Volume 13, Number 18
• Publisher: MDPI | 2021-09-01
• Type of Work: Article | Final Publisher PDF
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.3390/cancers13184650
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Medicine and Surgery; Health Sciences, Oncology
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Oncology; neuroblastoma; tumor microenvironment; yes-associated protein; hippo pathway; hypoxia; angiogenesis; extracellular matrix; metastasis; therapy resistance; EPITHELIAL-MESENCHYMAL TRANSITION; BREAST-CANCER METASTASIS; HIPPO PATHWAY; TRANSCRIPTIONAL COACTIVATOR; EXTRACELLULAR-MATRIX; STEM-CELLS; PROMOTER METHYLATION; MEDIATES RESISTANCE; PRECLINICAL MODELS; CONTACT INHIBITION

Abstract

Neuroblastoma is the most common extra-cranial pediatric solid tumor that accounts for more than 15% of childhood cancer-related deaths. High risk neuroblastomas that recur during or after intense multimodal therapy have a <5% chance at a second sustained remission or cure. The solid tumor microenvironment (TME) has been increasingly recognized to play a critical role in cancer progression and resistance to therapy, including in neuroblastoma. The Yes-Associated Protein (YAP) in the Hippo pathway can regulate cancer proliferation, tumor initiation, and therapy response in many cancer types and as such, its role in the TME has gained interest. In this review, we focus on YAP and its role in neuroblastoma and further describe its demonstrated and potential effects on the neuroblastoma TME. We also discuss the therapeutic strategies for inhibiting YAP in neuroblastoma.