Investigating YAP1 Expression in Patiria miniata: Unveiling the Role of a Key Regulator of Stem Cell Biology

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.