Programs

Three programs, one pathway

Each program applies Hippo/YAP biology to a distinct unmet need in women's health.

Pipeline

Program overview

Program

Target validation

Lead discovery

Preclinical

IND-enabling

Clinical

Ovarian Cancer ProgramHigh-grade serous ovarian carcinoma (HGSC)

Fertility ProgramOvarian function in young cancer survivors

Cervical Cancer ProgramHPV-associated and HPV-independent cervical cancer

All programs are in early research. Stages are shown for illustration and will be updated as programs advance.

Program 01 · Target validation

Ovarian Cancer Program

High-grade serous ovarian cancer (HGSC) is the most common and lethal form of ovarian cancer. Research from the Wang Laboratory showed that YAP can induce HGSC in fallopian tube secretory epithelial cells, where many of these cancers are thought to begin.

YAP forms autocrine loops with the ERBB pathway to promote tumor initiation and progression
Approach: inhibit hyperactive YAP signaling in tumor cells
Supporting research: Oncogene 2015, 2016; Science Bulletin 2020

Program 02 · Target validation

Fertility Program

Cancer treatment can damage the ovary and cause early loss of fertility in young women. Research shows that timely YAP1 activity in granulosa cells — the cells that surround and support the egg — is essential for follicle development.

Granulosa cell–specific Yap1 studies show its role in follicle growth
Approach: restore physiological YAP signaling in the ovary
Supporting research: FASEB Journal 2019

Program 03 · Target validation

Cervical Cancer Program

Cervical cancer remains a major cause of cancer death in women worldwide. Research shows that YAP1 hyperactivation can initiate cervical carcinogenesis in animal models, and that the pathway interacts with HPV oncoproteins and EGFR signaling.

A YAP1–LATS2 feedback loop decides between senescent and malignant cell fates
Approach: restore the YAP1–LATS2 checkpoint
Supporting research: EMBO Mol Med 2015; Cell Reports 2019; EMBO Reports 2019

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