Background

The Yes-associated protein, otherwise known as YAP, is a 14-3-3-binding molecule that was originally recognized by virtue of its ability to bind to the SH3 domain of Yes. The binding of YAP to 14-3-3 requires the phosphorylation of a homologous serine residue (Ser 112) in the YAP 14-3-3-binding motif. The highly conserved and ubiquitously expressed 14-3-3 proteins regulate differentiation, cell cycle progression and apoptosis by binding intracellular phosphoproteins involved in signal transduction. YAP may link events at the plasma membrane and cytoskeleton to inhibition of transcription in the nucleus in a manner regulated by 14-3-3 proteins. YAP shares homology with the WW domain of TAZ, transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif, which functions as a transcriptional co-activator by binding to the PPXY motif present in transcription factors. YAP is expressed at high levels in the lung, placenta, prostate, ovary and testis.