
Overview
Background
My group studies the role of cadherin cell adhesion molecules in morphogenesis and tumor development. E-cadherin is a key mediator of cell-cell recognition. It participates in tissue patterning and its dysfunction contributes to tumor progression and invasion.
Associate Professor Yap is the group leader for Cadherin cell adhesion molecules, Epithelial morphogenesis & Cell locomotion research at the IMB.
Availability
- Professor Alpha Yap is:
- Available for supervision
- Media expert
Fields of research
Qualifications
- Bachelor of Medical Science, The University of Queensland
- Bachelor (Honours) of Medicine Surgery, The University of Queensland
- Doctor of Philosophy, The University of Queensland
- Royal Australasian College of Physicians, Royal Australasian College of Physicians
Research interests
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Cadherin cell adhesion molecules, Epithelial morphogenesis & Cell locomotion
We seek to understand the cellular basis of cadherin recognition, and how this controls cell movement and organisation. We are studying the molecular and cellular mechanisms by which cadherin cell adhesion molecules mediate cell-cell recognition. Our current work builds on two recent discoveries made by my lab. Firstly, we found that E-cadherin, the principal cadherin molecule found in epithelial tissues, functions as an adhesion-activated cell signaling receptor. In particular, upon adhesion E-cadherin activates signaling via the small GTPase, Rac, and the lipid kinase PI3-kinase. Finally, an important potential target of this signaling receptor is the Arp2/3 protein complex, a protein machine that nucleates assembly of actin filaments. We were the first to discover that E-cadherin interacts with the Arp2/3 complex to mark sites for actin assembly within cells. We are now exploring the general hypothesis that cadherin-activated signaling controls the subcellular localization and activity of Arp2/3 to modulate cell shape changes and motility in response to productive cell-cell recognition.
Works
Search Professor Alpha Yap’s works on UQ eSpace
2006
Journal Article
Ena/VASP proteins can regulate distinct modes of actin organization at cadherin-adhesive contacts
Scott, Jeanie A., Shewan, Annette M., den Elzen, Nicole R., Loureiro, Joseph J., Gertler, Frank B. and Yap, Alpha S. (2006). Ena/VASP proteins can regulate distinct modes of actin organization at cadherin-adhesive contacts. Molecular Biology of The Cell, 17 (3), 1085-1095. doi: 10.1191/mbc.E05-07-0644
2006
Journal Article
Another job for the talented p120-catenin
Niessen, Carien M. and Yap, Alpha S. (2006). Another job for the talented p120-catenin. Cell, 127 (December), 875-877. doi: 10.1016/j.cell.2006.11.014
2006
Journal Article
HOXA1 is required for E-cadherin-dependent anchorage-independent survival of human mammary carcinoma cells
Zhang, Xin, Emerald, B. Starling, Mukhina, Svetlana, Mohankumar, Kumarasamypet M., Kraemer, Astrid, Yap, Alpha S., Gluckman, Peter D., Lee, Kok-Onn and Lobie, Peter E. (2006). HOXA1 is required for E-cadherin-dependent anchorage-independent survival of human mammary carcinoma cells. Journal Of Biological Chemistry, 281 (10), 6471-6481. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M512666200
2006
Journal Article
Dynamic microtubules regulate the local concentration of E-cadherin at cell-cell contacts
Stehbens, S. J., Paterson, A. D., Crampton, M. S., Shewan, A. M., Ferguson, C., Akhmanova, A., Parton, R. G. and Yap, A. S. (2006). Dynamic microtubules regulate the local concentration of E-cadherin at cell-cell contacts. Journal of Cell Science, 119 (9), 1801-1811. doi: 10.1242/jcs.02903
2006
Journal Article
Cinderella no longer: alpha-catenin steps out of cadherin's shadow
Scott, J. A. and Yap, A. S. (2006). Cinderella no longer: alpha-catenin steps out of cadherin's shadow. Journal of Cell Science, 119 (22), 4599-4605. doi: 10.1242/jcs.03267
2005
Conference Publication
Discussion
Yap, Alpha, Alberts, Art, Nelson, W. James, Luca, Frank, Kaibuchi, Kozo, Peter, Matthias, Chang, Fred, Borisy, Gary, Drubin, David, Gundersen, Gregg and Schejter, Eyal (2005). Discussion.
2005
Conference Publication
General discussion I
Firtel, Richard, Alberts, Art, Nelson, W. James, Mostov, Keith, Lane, David, Sheetz, Michael, Takenawa, Tadaomi and Yap, Alpha (2005). General discussion I.
2005
Conference Publication
Discussion
Borisy, Gary, Braga, Vania, Chang, Fred, Harden, Nick, Humphries, Martin, Kaibuchi, Kozo, Lim, Louis, Nelson, W. James, Sheetz, Michael, Titus, Margaret A. and Yap, Alpha (2005). Discussion.
2005
Journal Article
The challenges of abundance: epithelial junctions and small GTPase signalling
Braga, Vania M. M. and Yap, Alpha S. (2005). The challenges of abundance: epithelial junctions and small GTPase signalling. Current Opinion In Cell Biology, 17 (5), 466-474. doi: 10.1016/j.ceb.2005.08.012
2005
Journal Article
Myosin 2 is a key Rho kinase target necessary for the local concentration of E-cadherin at cell-cell contacts
Shewan, A. M., Maddugoda, M., Kraemer, A., Stehbens, S. J., Verma, S., Kovacs, E. M. and Yap, A. S. (2005). Myosin 2 is a key Rho kinase target necessary for the local concentration of E-cadherin at cell-cell contacts. Molecular Biology of The Cell, 16 (10), 4531-4542. doi: 10.1091/mbc.E05-04-0330
2005
Journal Article
Recruitment of phosphoinositide 3-kinase defines a positive contribution of tyrosine kinase signaling to E-cadherin function
Pang, Jian-Hong, Kraemer, Astrid, Stehbens, Samantha J., Frame, Margaret C. and Yap, Alpha S. (2005). Recruitment of phosphoinositide 3-kinase defines a positive contribution of tyrosine kinase signaling to E-cadherin function. The Journal of Biological Chemistry., 280 (4), 3043-3050. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M412148200
2005
Conference Publication
Altered cytokeratin and vimentin expression in mammary epithelial cells with disrupted BRCA1 function
Smart, C. E., Simpson, K. J., Manning, N. W., Karunaratne, S. M., Edwards, S., Yap, A. S. K., Rothnagel, J. A., Visvader, J. E., Lindeman, G. J. and Brown, M. A. (2005). Altered cytokeratin and vimentin expression in mammary epithelial cells with disrupted BRCA1 function. Familial Cancer 2005: Research and Practice, Couran Cove, 30 Aug - 3 Sept, 2005.
2005
Journal Article
When domestiques rebel: kinesins, cadherins and neuronal proliferation
Gottardi, Cara J., den Elzen, Nicole R. and Yap, Alpha S. (2005). When domestiques rebel: kinesins, cadherins and neuronal proliferation. Nature Cell Biology, 7 (5), 445-447. doi: 10.1038/ncb0505-445
2004
Journal Article
Cortactin is necessary for E-cadherin-mediated contact formation and actin reorganization
Helwani, F. M., Kovacs, E. M., Paterson, A. D., Verma, S., Ali, R. G., Fanning, A. S., Weed, S. A. and Yap, A. S. (2004). Cortactin is necessary for E-cadherin-mediated contact formation and actin reorganization. Journal of Cell Biology, 164 (6), 899-910. doi: 10.1083/jcb.200309034
2004
Journal Article
Arp2/3 activity is necessary for efficient formation of E-cadherin adhesive contacts
Verma, S., Shewan, A. M., Scott, J. A., Helwani, F. M., den Elzen, N. R., Miki, H., Takenawa, T. and Yap, A. S. (2004). Arp2/3 activity is necessary for efficient formation of E-cadherin adhesive contacts. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 279 (32), 34062-34070. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M404814200
2004
Journal Article
Classical cadherin adhesion molecules: coordinating cell adhesion, signaling and the cytoskeleton
Goodwin, M. and Yap, A. S. (2004). Classical cadherin adhesion molecules: coordinating cell adhesion, signaling and the cytoskeleton. Journal of Molecular Histology, 35 (8-9), 839-844. doi: 10.1007/s10735-004-1833-2
2003
Journal Article
Characterization of E-cadherin endocytosis in isolated MCF-7 and Chinese hamster ovary cells - The initial fate of unbound E-cadherin
Paterson, Andrew D., Parton, Robert G., Ferguson, Charles, Stow, Jennifer L. and Yap, Alpha S. (2003). Characterization of E-cadherin endocytosis in isolated MCF-7 and Chinese hamster ovary cells - The initial fate of unbound E-cadherin. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 278 (23), 21050-21057. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M300082200
2003
Journal Article
Coupling adhesion to actin bundles in the inner ear - Novel functions for novel cadherins
Kraemer, Astrid and Yap, Alpha S. (2003). Coupling adhesion to actin bundles in the inner ear - Novel functions for novel cadherins. Embo Reports, 4 (3), 244-245. doi: 10.1038/sj.embor.embor775
2003
Journal Article
Direct cadherin-activated cell signaling: a view from the plasma membrane
Yap, A. S. and Kovacs, E. M. (2003). Direct cadherin-activated cell signaling: a view from the plasma membrane. Journal of Cell Biology, 160 (1), 11-16. doi: 10.1083/jcb.200208156
2003
Journal Article
Minimal mutation of the cytoplasmic tail inhibits the ability of E-cadherin to activate Rac but not phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase - Direct evidence of a role for cadherin-activated Rac signaling in adhesion and contact formation
Goodwin, M., Kovacs, E. M., Thoreson, M. A., Reynolds, A. B. and Yap, A. S. (2003). Minimal mutation of the cytoplasmic tail inhibits the ability of E-cadherin to activate Rac but not phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase - Direct evidence of a role for cadherin-activated Rac signaling in adhesion and contact formation. Journal of Biological Chemistry, 278 (23), 20533-20539. doi: 10.1074/jbc.M213171200
Funding
Current funding
Past funding
Supervision
Availability
- Professor Alpha Yap is:
- Available for supervision
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Available projects
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How tissue hypertension in epithelia promotes cancer
Epithelial tissues are the principal barriers in our body and the source of common diseases, notably cancer and inflammation. The surprising thing is that despite the fact that they are subject to constant bombardment by toxins, infection and transformation, epithelia stay healthy most of the time – and keep us healthy. This is because epithelia possess mechanisms to maintain homeostasis: to detect potential insults and respond appropriately. We believe that a major early-warning system involves changes in mechanical tension upon injury or transformation: these are detected by the neighbouring epithelium, which responds by eliminating the affected cells. These changes in mechanical force are transmitted through cell-cell junctions and detected at those junctions by mechanotransduction. Conversely, events that compromise junctional mechanotransduction can render epithelia vulnerable to disease.
This project builds on our recent discovery that mechanical tension in an epithelium prevents it from eliminating newly-developed cancers. We aim to elucidate how this tissue hypertension prevents cancer elimination and how it may promote growth of those retained cancer cells.To do this, we combine cell biology with organoid and animal models, collaborating with developmental biologists, cancer biologists, mathematicians, engineers and physicists.
Supervision history
Current supervision
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Doctor Philosophy
Mechanical and biological determinants of epithelial homeostasis.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Robert Parton
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Doctor Philosophy
Epithelial surveillance against cell aberration.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Ellen Potoczky
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Doctor Philosophy
Epithelial Mechanics of Apoptotic Cell Extrusion: A study of different aspects of cell extrusion and the epithelial response
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Cytoskeleton crosstalk and epithelial homeostasis.
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the Spatiotemporal Organisation of the Actomyosin Cortex
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Quantitative live imaging of junctional neural tube formation
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Yanina Alvarez, Dr Mel White
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Doctor Philosophy
Characterisation of a molecular pathway controlling cell-cell adhesion in veins but not arteries
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Anne Lagendijk
Completed supervision
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
Caveolae Respond to Acute Mechanical Stress by Activating a Novel Signalling Pathway for Reinforcement of Actomyosin
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Robert Parton
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2022
Doctor Philosophy
Death with integrity: Role of the desmosome-IF network in apoptotic extrusion and epithelial integrity
Principal Advisor
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2020
Master Philosophy
Oncogenic Cell Extrusion:Ras transformation and cell extrusion during Epithelial Homeostasis
Principal Advisor
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Regulation of Epithelial Cell Extrusion by Snail: A Pivotal Role for Contractility
Principal Advisor
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Rho Signalling at Cell-Cell Junctions during Epithelial Collective Migration
Principal Advisor
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Elimination of apoptotic epithelial cells: Regulation of apoptotic extrusion and immune responses to epithelial apoptosis
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Associate Professor Anne Lagendijk
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2019
Doctor Philosophy
Caveolae/Caveolin-1: A regulator of monolayer tension and oncogenic cell extrusion
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Robert Parton
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
Cortactin Tyrosine Phosphorylation at E-cadherin Junctions: A Switch for Epithelium Formation through Regulation of RhoA
Principal Advisor
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Analysing the Mechanism and Regulation of Vinculin in Cadherin Adhesions
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Brett Collins
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2014
Doctor Philosophy
Biomechanics of Epithelial Interactions: From Multicellular Cohesion to Oncogenic Transformation
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Robert Parton
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
Characterizing the role of Myosin VI at E-cadherin cell-cell adhesions
Principal Advisor
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2011
Doctor Philosophy
PI3K signalling in the maintenance of epithelial cell structure: Analysis of E-cadherin-based adhesion and cell height
Principal Advisor
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
Cadherin-Microtubule Cooperativity
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Robert Parton
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
The Role of Myosin VI in E-cadherin Adhesive Contact Biogenesis
Principal Advisor
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2007
Doctor Philosophy
CORTACTIN REGULATES ACTIN CYTOSKELETAL DYNAMICS AT E-CADHERIN ADHESIVE CONTACTS
Principal Advisor
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2005
Doctor Philosophy
CO-OPERATION BETWEEN E-CADHERIN, PHOSPHATIDYLINOSITOL-3-KINASE, RAC AND THE WASP FAMILY PROTEIN, WAVE, IS NECESSARY FOR PRODUCTIVE CADHERIN-DEPENDENT CONTACT FORMATION.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Robert Parton
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2005
Doctor Philosophy
THE ROLE OF ENA/VASP PROTEINS IN CADHERIN-BASED ADHESION
Principal Advisor
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2005
Doctor Philosophy
THE ROLE OF P120-CTN IN REGULATING E-CADHERIN-MEDIATED ADHESION
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jennifer Stow
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2004
Doctor Philosophy
MEMBRANE MOVEMENTS OF E-CADHERIN
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Jennifer Stow
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2023
Doctor Philosophy
A study of mathematical models for collective cell migration and axonal transport
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Zoltan Neufeld, Dr Dietmar Oelz
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2017
Doctor Philosophy
The Biology of Choanocytes and Choanocyte Chambers and their Role in the Sponge Stem Cell System
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Bernard Degnan
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2015
Doctor Philosophy
Molecular and Functional Characterization of a Clathrin-Independent Endocytic pathway, the CLIC/GEEC pathway
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Robert Parton
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2012
Master Philosophy
Characterisation of Neogenin signalling pathways in polarised epithelial cells
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Helen Cooper
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2009
Doctor Philosophy
Global analysis of transcriptional control driving zebrafish gastrulation
Associate Advisor
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2005
Doctor Philosophy
STRUCTURAL DETERMINANTS OF THE EXPRESSION, ASSEMBLY AND FUNCTION OF MONOAMINE NEUROTRANSMITTER TRANSPORTERS
Associate Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Lesley Lluka
Media
Enquiries
Contact Professor Alpha Yap directly for media enquiries about:
- bowel cancer
- breast cancer
- Cadherin adhesion in cell interaction
- cancer
- Cell biology
- inflammation
- Metastases
- molecular medicine
- Tumour development
- Tumours
- wound healing
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