The Role of the Mechanosensor Protein YAP in Embryonic Development: From Oogenesis to Neurulation

Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is a key regulator of cell proliferation and differentiation, playing a critical role in early embryonic development, particularly during gastrulation and neurulation. As a mechanotransducer, YAP is able to translate mechanical signals into gene expression, making it an ideal candidate for investigating the interplay between morphogenesis and differentiation processes required for proper development. Disruptions in the Hippo cascade, which regulates the activity of YAP and its paralog TAZ, often lead to malignancies. However, YAP is also actively involved in the embryonic process, and suppression of its function leads to serious developmental abnormalities, including the arrest of embryogenesis. This review will examine the mechanisms of YAP-dependent mechanotransduction, the interactions of YAP with morphogenetic cascades, and data on the role of YAP in early embryogenesis, which will allow us to analyze the regulation of processes associated with differentiation and morphogenesis in vertebrates. Understanding the specific molecular mechanisms by which YAP influences early embryogenesis may shed light on its significance in pathologies and suggest new therapeutic strategies.