YAP/TAZ Are Mechanoregulators of TGF-β-Smad Signaling and Renal Fibrogenesis

Like many organs, the kidney stiffens after injury, a process that is increasingly recognized as an important driver of fibrogenesis. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are related mechanosensory proteins that bind to Smad transcription factors, the canonical mediators of profibrotic TGF-<i>β</i> responses. Here, we investigated the role of YAP/TAZ in the matrix stiffness dependence of fibroblast responses to TGF-<i>β</i> In contrast to growth on a stiff surface, fibroblast growth on a soft matrix led to YAP/TAZ sequestration in the cytosol and impaired TGF-<i>β</i>-induced Smad2/3 nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activity. YAP knockdown or treatment with verteporfin, a drug that was recently identified as a potent YAP inhibitor, elicited similar changes. Furthermore, verteporfin reduced YAP/TAZ levels and decreased the total cellular levels of Smad2/3 after TGF-<i>β</i> stimulation. Verteporfin treatment of mice subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction similarly reduced YAP/TAZ levels and nuclear Smad accumulation in the kidney, and attenuated renal fibrosis. Our data suggest that organ stiffening cooperates with TGF-<i>β</i> to induce fibrosis in a YAP/TAZ- and Smad2/3-dependent manner. Interference with this YAP/TAZ and TGF-<i>β</i>/Smad crosstalk likely underlies the antifibrotic activity of verteporfin. Finally, through repurposing of a clinically used drug, we illustrate the therapeutic potential of a novel mechanointerference strategy that blocks TGF-<i>β</i> signaling and renal fibrogenesis.