YAP/TAZ and TEAD: At the Crossroads of Cancer

Guy Weinberg — guyw@uic.edu

John Lamar — lamarj@mail.amc.edu

Bob Varelas — xvarelas@bu.edu

Purpose: TAZ (transcriptional co-activator with PDZ-binding motif) was originally identified as a transducer of the Hippo signaling pathway that controls organ size and is now recognized as an important contributor to many types of cancer. TAZ responds to variety of cell signals including G-protein coupled receptors, extracellular mechanical stress, classical kinase cascades and metabolic context. TAZ interacts with TEAD transcription factors and DNA gene expression enhancers to initiate a complex transcriptional program that promotes cell proliferation, migration, and metastasis. TAZ is also potentially involved in a variety of other pathologic states, especially involving fibrosis, such as pulmonary hypertension and emphysema. Eighty years ago Otto Warburg identified a preference among cancer cells to use aerobic glycolysis and this phenomenon is once again a topic of growing interest. Glycolytic flux has recently been identified as important to TAZ activity as well as the pathologic angiogenesis and vessel growth commonly seen in cancers.

The proposed workshop will bring together scientists interested in the diverse responses and cellular effects of YAP/TAZ with the goals of 1) integrating work currently done in separate scientific silos; 2) identifying novel paths to regulating expression and effects of TAZ and 3) identifying potential biomarkers of YAP/TAZ activity. We hope that collaborations stimulated by this workshop will lead to new potential treatments for YAP/TAZ-driven cancers.

We wish to ensure an intimate workshop setting, with no more than 20 to 25 participants. If you are interested in attending but have not received an invitation, please contact the workshop organizer before registering.

Sessions typically run mornings and late afternoons, leaving mid-day free for informal collaboration.

Travel to Telluride can be expensive; please assess your own potential travel costs before registering.

Please book your travel plans! The Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) is the most reliable and convenient airport for Telluride.

Telluride Science can provide lodging starting as low as $215/night during off-peak weeks and as low as $250/night during peak-season at the Mountainside Inn. These affordable lodging options are limited and available first-come, first-serve. To encourage participants to secure affordable lodging, we offer a $100 discount on lodging provided through Telluride Science that is secured before the Early Bird deadline. Additionally, we work with many lodging providers in Telluride and Mountain Village to offer discounts between 10-15% off your total lodging balance. Additional information provided with registration.

If you have more questions about lodging, reach out to Sara at sara@telluridescience.org.

Registrations may be refunded less a $25 cancellation fee. If cancelled before the lodging cancellation deadline, lodging payments are refundable less a $100 cancellation fee. It is each participant's responsibility to confirm and understand their own lodging cancellation deadline. Travel insurance is highly recommended.