To determine the relation between Yap transcriptional activity and the rate of atherosclerosis progression

2017 Fiscal Year Final Research Report

• Project/Area Number: 16K19391
• Research Category: Grant-in-Aid for Young Scientists (B)
• Allocation Type: Multi-year Fund
• Research Field: Cardiovascular medicine
• Research Institution: Kyoto University
• Principal Investigator: Terai Kenta 京都大学, 生命科学研究科, 准教授 (20616073)
• Project Period (FY): 2016-04-01 – 2018-03-31
• Keywords: Hippo pathway / 膜性骨化 / fluid shear stress

Outline of Final Research Achievements

The role of blood vessels during endochondral ossification is well known, while their role in intramembranous ossification, especially the intertissue pathway, is poorly understood. Here, we demonstrate endothelial Yap/Taz is a novel regulator of intramembranous ossification in zebrafish. Appropriate blood flow is required for Yap/Taz transcriptional activation in endothelial cells and intramembranous ossification. Additionally, Yap/Taz transcriptional activity in endothelial cells specifically promotes intramembranous ossification. BMP expression by Yap/Taz transactivation in endothelial cells is also identified as a bridging factor between blood vessels and intramembranous ossification. Furthermore, the expression of Runx2 in pre-osteoblast cells is a downstream target of Yap/Taz transcriptional activity in endothelial cells. Our results provide novel insight into the relationship between blood flow and ossification by demonstrating intertissue regulation.

Free Research Field

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