The CalcR-PKA-Yap1 Axis Is Critical for Maintaining Quiescence in Muscle Stem Cells

Summary: Quiescence is a fundamental property of adult stem cells. Recent evidence indicates that quiescence is not a default state but requires active signaling that prevents accidental or untimely activation of stem cells. The calcitonin receptor (CalcR) is critical for sustaining quiescence in muscle satellite (stem) cells (MuSCs). However, the molecular mechanisms by which CalcR signaling regulates quiescence in MuSCs are enigmatic. Here, we demonstrate that transgenic expression of the catalytic domain of protein kinase A (PKA) restores the quiescence of CalcR-mutant MuSCs and delays MuSC activation. Mechanistically, CalcR-activated PKA phosphorylates Lats1/2, the main effector of Hippo signaling, thereby inhibiting the nuclear accumulation of Yap1, which prevents expression of Hippo-target genes, including cell-cycle-related molecules. Importantly, genetic inactivation of Yap1 in CalcR-mutant MuSCs reinstates quiescence in CalcR-mutant MuSCs, indicating that the CalcR-PKA-Lats1/2-Yap1 axis plays a critical role in sustaining MuSC quiescence. : Zhang et al. reveal the downstream pathway of CalcR in muscle stem cells. The CalcR-PKA axis phosphorylates Lats1/2, the main effector of Hippo signaling, and inhibits Yap1 nuclear accumulation. PKA activation or Yap1 inactivation restores CalcR-mutant muscle stem cell quiescence, indicating that the CalcR-PKA-Lats1/2-Yap1 axis is critical for sustaining MuSC quiescence. Keywords: Muscle stem cells, Calcitonin receptor, GPCR, PKA, Hippo, Quiescence, Yap