Evaluating the involvement and mutual interaction of wbp2 and yap in embryogenesis with an emphasis on liver function in zebrafish embryos

Abstract

The Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) play complex roles in liver health, influencing processes such as fibrosis, cancer development, and regeneration. WW domain binding protein-2 (WBP2) primarily enhances the co-translational activity of YAP/TAZ, which is crucial for the progression of liver diseases. Despite existing knowledge, the specific functions of WBP2 and its interactions with YAP remain inadequately understood. This study investigates the expression levels of WBP2 in zebrafish embryos and its molecular interaction with YAP. We employed morpholino-mediated knockdown of wbp2 and yap, followed by assessments of liver histology, immunofluorescence, and co-immunoprecipitation. Subsequently, RNA sequencing analyses were conducted to elucidate the signaling pathways and mechanisms underlying the interplay between YAP and WBP2 in liver injury. Our findings highlight the significant interaction between WBP2 and YAP, emphasizing their potential as therapeutic targets for liver diseases.

Keywords: Liver fibrosis; TAA; WBP2; YAP.