
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
1999
Conference Publication
Endocytosis and recycling of E-cadherin: A potential mechanism for regulating cell adhesion
Le, T. L., Yap, A. S. and Stow, J. L. (1999). Endocytosis and recycling of E-cadherin: A potential mechanism for regulating cell adhesion. -, -, -. Bethesda, MD United States: American Society for Cell Biology.
1998
Journal Article
Molecular analyses of tight junction physiology: Insights and paradoxes
Yap, AS, Mullin, JM and Stevenson, BR (1998). Molecular analyses of tight junction physiology: Insights and paradoxes. Journal of Membrane Biology, 163 (3), 159-167. doi: 10.1007/s002329900380
1998
Journal Article
The juxtamembrane region of the cadherin cytoplasmic tail supports lateral clustering, adhesive strengthening, and interaction with p129(ctn)
Yap, A. S., Niessen, C. M. and Gumbiner, B. M. (1998). The juxtamembrane region of the cadherin cytoplasmic tail supports lateral clustering, adhesive strengthening, and interaction with p129(ctn). Journal of Cell Biology, 141 (3), 779-789. doi: 10.1083/jcb.141.3.779
1998
Journal Article
The morphogenetic role of cadherin cell adhesion molecules in human cancer: A thematic review
Yap, AS (1998). The morphogenetic role of cadherin cell adhesion molecules in human cancer: A thematic review. Cancer Investigation, 16 (4), 252-261. doi: 10.3109/07357909809039774
1997
Journal Article
Biochemistry and regulation of cadherin-mediated
Brieher, Adhesion William, Yap, Alpha, Zhong, Yun and Gumbiner, Barry M. (1997). Biochemistry and regulation of cadherin-mediated. FASEB Journal, 11 (9)
1997
Journal Article
Protein tyrosine phosphorylation influences adhesive junction assembly and follicular organization of cultured thyroid epithelial cells
Yap, AS, Stevenson, BR, Cooper, V and Manley, SW (1997). Protein tyrosine phosphorylation influences adhesive junction assembly and follicular organization of cultured thyroid epithelial cells. Endocrinology, 138 (6), 2315-2324. doi: 10.1210/en.138.6.2315
1997
Journal Article
Lateral clustering of the adhesive ectodomain: A fundamental determinant of cadherin function
Yap, AS, Brieher, WM, Pruschy, M and Gumbiner, BM (1997). Lateral clustering of the adhesive ectodomain: A fundamental determinant of cadherin function. Current Biology, 7 (5), 308-315. doi: 10.1016/S0960-9822(06)00154-0
1997
Journal Article
Molecular and functional analysis of cadherin-based adherens junctions
Yap, AS, Brieher, WM and Gumbiner, BM (1997). Molecular and functional analysis of cadherin-based adherens junctions. Annual Review of Cell and Developmental Biology, 13 (1), 119-146. doi: 10.1146/annurev.cellbio.13.1.119
1996
Journal Article
Autosomal dominant primary hyperparathyroidism and jaw tumor syndrome associated with renal hamartomas and cystic kidney disease: Linkage to 1q21-q32 and loss of the wild type allele in renal hamartomas
Teh, BT, Farnebo, F, Kristoffersson, U, Sundelin, B, Cardinal, J, Axelson, R, Yap, A, Epstein, M, Heath, H, Cameron, D and Larsson, C (1996). Autosomal dominant primary hyperparathyroidism and jaw tumor syndrome associated with renal hamartomas and cystic kidney disease: Linkage to 1q21-q32 and loss of the wild type allele in renal hamartomas. Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, 81 (12), 4204-4211. doi: 10.1210/jc.81.12.4204
1996
Journal Article
Lateral dimerization is required for the homophilic binding activity of C-cadherin
Brieher, W. M., Yap, A. S. and Gumbiner, B. M. (1996). Lateral dimerization is required for the homophilic binding activity of C-cadherin. Journal of Cell Biology, 135 (2), 487-496. doi: 10.1083/jcb.135.2.487
1995
Journal Article
Cadherin-Mediated Adhesion and Apical Membrane Assembly Define Distinct Steps During Thyroid Epithelial Polarization and Lumen Formation
Yap, AS, Stevenson, BR, Keast, JR and Manley, SW (1995). Cadherin-Mediated Adhesion and Apical Membrane Assembly Define Distinct Steps During Thyroid Epithelial Polarization and Lumen Formation. Endocrinology, 136 (10), 4672-4680. doi: 10.1210/en.136.10.4672
1995
Journal Article
Microtubule Integrity Is Necessary for the Epithelial Barrier Function of Cultured Thyroid-Cell Monolayers
Yap, AS, Stevenson, BR, Abel, KC, Cragoe, EJ and Manley, SW (1995). Microtubule Integrity Is Necessary for the Epithelial Barrier Function of Cultured Thyroid-Cell Monolayers. Experimental Cell Research, 218 (2), 540-550. doi: 10.1006/excr.1995.1189
1995
Journal Article
Vinculin Localization and Actin Stress Fibers Differ in Thyroid-Cells Organized as Monolayers or Follicles
Yap, AS, Stevenson, BR, Waters, MJ, Keast, JR and Manley, SW (1995). Vinculin Localization and Actin Stress Fibers Differ in Thyroid-Cells Organized as Monolayers or Follicles. Cell Motility and the Cytoskeleton, 32 (4), 318-331. doi: 10.1002/cm.970320408
1995
Journal Article
Characterization of Cell Polarity and Epithelial Junctions in the Choriocarcinoma Cell-Line, Jar
Mitchell, AM, Yap, AS, Payne, EJ, Manley, SW and Mortimer, RH (1995). Characterization of Cell Polarity and Epithelial Junctions in the Choriocarcinoma Cell-Line, Jar. Placenta, 16 (1), 31-39. doi: 10.1016/0143-4004(95)90079-9
1994
Journal Article
Thyrotropin Inhibits the Intrinsic Locomotility of Thyroid-Cells Organized as Follicles in Primary Culture
Yap, AS and Manley, SW (1994). Thyrotropin Inhibits the Intrinsic Locomotility of Thyroid-Cells Organized as Follicles in Primary Culture. Experimental Cell Research, 214 (1), 408-417. doi: 10.1006/excr.1994.1274
1994
Journal Article
Thyroid Epithelial Morphogenesis In-Vitro - a Role for Bumetanide-Sensitive Cl- Secretion During Follicular Lumen Development
Yap, AS, Stevenson, BR, Armstrong, JW, Keast, JR and Manley, SW (1994). Thyroid Epithelial Morphogenesis In-Vitro - a Role for Bumetanide-Sensitive Cl- Secretion During Follicular Lumen Development. Experimental Cell Research, 213 (2), 319-326. doi: 10.1006/excr.1994.1205
1994
Journal Article
Thyroid-Cell Spreading and Focal Adhesion Formation Depend Upon Protein-Tyrosine Phosphorylation and Actin Microfilaments
Yap, AS, Keast, JR and Manley, SW (1994). Thyroid-Cell Spreading and Focal Adhesion Formation Depend Upon Protein-Tyrosine Phosphorylation and Actin Microfilaments. Experimental Cell Research, 210 (2), 306-314. doi: 10.1006/excr.1994.1043
1993
Journal Article
Contact Inhibition of Cell Spreading - a Mechanism for the Maintenance of Thyroid-Cell Aggregation In-Vitro
Yap, AS and Manley, SW (1993). Contact Inhibition of Cell Spreading - a Mechanism for the Maintenance of Thyroid-Cell Aggregation In-Vitro. Experimental Cell Research, 208 (1), 121-127. doi: 10.1006/excr.1993.1229
1993
Journal Article
Activation of sodium transport mediates regulation of thyroid follicle volume in response to hypotonic media
Yap, A. S., Armstrong, J. W., Cragoe Jr., E. J., Bourke, J. R., Huxham, G. J. and Manley, S. W. (1993). Activation of sodium transport mediates regulation of thyroid follicle volume in response to hypotonic media. American Journal of Physiology - Endocrinology and Metabolism, 264 (4 27-4), E644-9. doi: 10.1152/ajpendo.1993.264.4.E644
1993
Journal Article
Activation of Sodium-Transport Mediates Regulation of Thyroid-Follicle Volume in Response to Hypotonic Media
Yap, AS, Armstrong, JW, Cragoe, EJ, Bourke, JR, Huxham, GJ and Manley, SW (1993). Activation of Sodium-Transport Mediates Regulation of Thyroid-Follicle Volume in Response to Hypotonic Media. American Journal of Physiology, 264 (4), E644-E649.
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
Modern Computational methods in cell and molecular biology
Principal Advisor
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Master Philosophy
Investigation of epithelial homeostasis on cancer risk
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Julia Eckert
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Master Philosophy
Investigation of epithelial homeostasis on cancer risk
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Julia Eckert
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Doctor Philosophy
Understanding the Spatiotemporal Organisation of the Actomyosin Cortex
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Modern Computational methods in cell and molecular biology
Principal Advisor
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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
Cytoskeleton crosstalk and epithelial homeostasis.
Principal Advisor
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Doctor Philosophy
Epithelial surveillance against cell aberration.
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Dr Ellen Potoczky
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Doctor Philosophy
How inflammation predisposes to tumor retention by altering epithelial mechanics.
Principal Advisor
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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
Revealing how the junctional neural tube forms
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
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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
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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
The Role of Myosin VI in E-cadherin Adhesive Contact Biogenesis
Principal Advisor
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2008
Doctor Philosophy
Cadherin-Microtubule Cooperativity
Principal Advisor
Other advisors: Professor Robert Parton
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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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