Authors: Jiwon Park et al.

Journal: The EMBO Journal (2022)

Research Areas: Cell Biology

Cell Lines: HEK293A, 143B (human embryonic kidney cells, human osteosarcoma cells)

Summary: The study shows that oscillating fluid pressure causes rapid fluctuations in cell size. This is dependent on YAP/TAZ, co-transcriptional regulators of the Hippo signaling pathway. HoloMonitor M4 was used to study the effect of hydrostatic pressure on the cells by analyzing their volumetric changes in real time. Cells lacking YAP/TAZ are smaller, have lower membrane tension, and are less adaptable to rapid shape changes. YAP/TAZ activation due to elevated interstitial fluid pressure triggers a transcriptional response involving CYR61 and CTGF, which play roles in tissue development and cancer progression. The study suggests that dynamic size homeostasis, driven by the Hippo pathway, is vital for maintaining healthy tissue and may be disrupted in cancer, especially in tumors with elevated interstitial fluid pressure. The research highlights the importance of this regulation for cell adaptability and as a potential therapeutic target.

Keywords: cell volume, endocytosis, holographic imaging, membrane tension, YAP/TAZ