Mechanical strain induces E-cadherin–dependent Yap1 and β-catenin activation to drive cell cycle entry

Mechanical strain regulates the development, organization, and function of multicellular tissues, but mechanisms linking mechanical strain and cell-cell junction proteins to cellular responses are poorly understood. Here, we showed that mechanical strain applied to quiescent epithelial cells induced rapid cell cycle reentry, mediated by independent nuclear accumulation and transcriptional activity of first Yap1 and then β-catenin. Inhibition of Yap1- and β-catenin-mediated transcription blocked cell cycle reentry and progression through G1 into S phase, respectively. Maintenance of quiescence, Yap1 nuclear exclusion, and β-catenin transcriptional responses to mechanical strain required E-cadherin extracellular…

• NS
  National Science Foundation

  Awards: EFRI-1136790, DGE-114747, 1136790
• NI
  National Institutes of Health

  Awards: DGE-114747, GM 35527, EB006745
• DO
  Division of Emerging Frontiers in Research and Innovation

  Awards: EFRI-1136790, 1136790