Investigating YAP1 Expression in Patiria miniata: Unveiling the Role of a Key Regulator of Stem Cell Biology
Poster Number
43
Faculty Mentor Name
Tara Fresques
Research or Creativity Area
Natural Sciences
Abstract
Often, biological research is conducted using model organisms, leaving a wide knowledge gap in other walks of life. Patiria miniata, a species of sea stars, is a non-model organism that piques interest due to its regenerative capabilities. We hypothesize that sea stars follow similar aging biology as the closely related species, sea urchin, and are not at increased risk for age-related diseases (such as cancer) as they get older. This is in contrast with humans, who are at significant risk of contracting age-related diseases as they increase in chronological age. One aging-related molecule in humans is YAP1, a transcriptional coactivator, typically involved in maintenance of a stem cell state. YAP1 is involved in many biological contexts including development, tissue homeostasis, and cancer progression. We propose that understanding YAP1 biology in sea stars can provide insight into human stem cell and aging biology. We first wanted to determine when YAP1 is expressed during the Patiria miniata life cycle. We performed RNA In Situ Hybridization in development to indicate where the YAP1 gene is expressed. We also performed Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction in development and adult samples to measure YAP1 expression levels. Our results show that YAP1 is present in all cell types during development, with the highest expression in the larval stage. Among adult tissues analyzed—gonads, tube feet, and digestive tissue—expression levels varied. Tube feet and digestive tissue showed relatively even YAP1 expression across samples, while gonads revealed intriguing data suggesting differences between male and female tissues.
Purpose
We propose that understanding YAP1 biology in sea stars can provide insight into human stem cell and aging biology. My three hypotheses are as follows:
1. YAP1 functions as a key regulator of stem cell biology in all cell types during early development. 2. YAP1 functions as a key regulator of stem cell biology in populations of stem cells in larvae. 3. YAP1 functions as a key regulator of stem cell biology in populations of stem cells in adult tissues.Results
With an RNA In Situ Hybridization, YAP1 gene expression was visually compared across developmental stages. Purple staining indicates the presence of YAP1 mRNA. YAP1 mRNA was observed in all developmental and larval stages. Notably, as development progresses, YAP1 expression becomes enriched in the digestive system. In the larval stage, staining is darkest in cells lining the stomach; suggesting early localization of YAP1 to this area in larva.
Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) results show that YAP1 is present in all cell types during development, with highest expression in the larval stage. Among juvenile and adult tissues analyzed—gonads, tube feet, and digestive tissue—YAP1 mRNA expression levels varied. Tube feet and digestive tissue showed relatively even YAP1 expression across samples, while gonads revealed intriguing data suggesting differences between male and female tissues. Our results suggest that YAP1 is expressed in sea star cells throughout the entire sea star life cycle and is consistent with the hypothesis that YAP1 may promote a stem cell state in sea star cells.
Significance
Despite there being knowledge on the role of YAP1 in humans and other organisms it is still unknown as to why some organisms develop differently than others. Humans are more likely to experience age related diseases whereas sea stars do not experience this complication. Despite a gap in functional similarities, knowing how YAP1 plays a role in sea stars could benefit in comparison to humans. Leading to a better understanding and a potential target for human health in the future. Ultimately, to better understand the ancestral function of this gene it is extremely important to cover a wide range of organisms.
Location
University of the Pacific, DeRosa University Center
Start Date
26-4-2025 10:00 AM
End Date
26-4-2025 1:00 PM
Investigating YAP1 Expression in Patiria miniata: Unveiling the Role of a Key Regulator of Stem Cell Biology
University of the Pacific, DeRosa University Center
Often, biological research is conducted using model organisms, leaving a wide knowledge gap in other walks of life. Patiria miniata, a species of sea stars, is a non-model organism that piques interest due to its regenerative capabilities. We hypothesize that sea stars follow similar aging biology as the closely related species, sea urchin, and are not at increased risk for age-related diseases (such as cancer) as they get older. This is in contrast with humans, who are at significant risk of contracting age-related diseases as they increase in chronological age. One aging-related molecule in humans is YAP1, a transcriptional coactivator, typically involved in maintenance of a stem cell state. YAP1 is involved in many biological contexts including development, tissue homeostasis, and cancer progression. We propose that understanding YAP1 biology in sea stars can provide insight into human stem cell and aging biology. We first wanted to determine when YAP1 is expressed during the Patiria miniata life cycle. We performed RNA In Situ Hybridization in development to indicate where the YAP1 gene is expressed. We also performed Quantitative Polymerase Chain Reaction in development and adult samples to measure YAP1 expression levels. Our results show that YAP1 is present in all cell types during development, with the highest expression in the larval stage. Among adult tissues analyzed—gonads, tube feet, and digestive tissue—expression levels varied. Tube feet and digestive tissue showed relatively even YAP1 expression across samples, while gonads revealed intriguing data suggesting differences between male and female tissues.
