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Phase separation

Nuclear condensates in YAP1-driven ependymoma

Nature Cell Biology volume 25, pages 211–213 (2023)Cite this article

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An ependymoma subtype is driven by fusion proteins related to the transcriptional regulator YAP1. Research now shows that localization of these fusion proteins within nuclear condensates is necessary and sufficient for tumour formation through the activation of various genetic and epigenetic oncogenic mechanisms.

Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP1) is the transcriptional regulator of the Hippo signalling pathway and is involved in a diverse range of functions, including growth, development and oncogenesis. YAP1 fusion proteins have been identified in diverse tumour types — including in a subset of ependymomas, an uncommon primary brain tumour. Previous mechanistic studies have suggested that YAP1 fusion protein nuclear localization is necessary to drive oncogenesis. However, in this issue of Nature Cell Biology, Hu et al. convincingly demonstrate that, although nuclear localization is necessary, it is not sufficient for tumorigenesis1. Rather, YAP1 fusion protein localization within nuclear condensates is a necessary step in YAP1-meditated ependymoma formation. These striking findings demonstrate yet another mechanism for oncogenic-related aberrant gene regulation and opens up the potential for novel therapeutic options.

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Fig. 1: Nuclear condensates of YAP fusion proteins drive ependymoma formation.

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  1. Department of Neurology, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY, USA

    Mahsa Shahidi Dadras & Howard A. Fine

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  1. Mahsa Shahidi Dadras
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  2. Howard A. Fine
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Correspondence to Howard A. Fine.

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Dadras, M.S., Fine, H.A. Nuclear condensates in YAP1-driven ependymoma. Nat Cell Biol 25, 211–213 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41556-022-01081-w

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