Expression of YAP1 and TAZ in Melanoma-, Bronchial- and Breast Carcinoma Brain Metastasis: Primary vs. Relapsed Tumors.

BACKGROUND/AIM: Brain metastases from the most common primary sites - lung carcinoma, breast carcinoma, and melanoma - are more frequent than primary brain tumors. YAP1/TAZ are regulators of tissue growth and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) within the hippo pathway. The aim of the study was the evaluation of the role of YAP1/TAZ in brain metastasis.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

Expression levels of YAP1 and TAZ were measured in samples of primary and relapsed brain metastases from patients with melanoma, breast carcinoma, and bronchial carcinoma using qPCR and western blot.

RESULTS

Expression of YAP1 and TAZ was highest in melanoma followed by bronchial carcinoma and lowest in breast carcinoma. For YAP1, expression in primary metastasis was higher than in relapsed metastasis.

CONCLUSION

Because of the important role of YAP1/TAZ in EMT, targeting these genes could be a promising approach to reduce the risk of metastasis.