YAP activation reverses aging-related visual dysfunction caused by impaired cell-matrix adhesion
Cellular senescence of retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells drives age-related visual decline, particularly in the pathology of age-related macular degeneration (AMD). While genome-wide association studies (GWAS) have identified genetic risk factors underlying AMD, the molecular mechanisms governing RPE senescence remain unclear. Here, single-cell RNA sequencing of young and old mouse RPE revealed dysregulated cell-matrix adhesion as a key feature of senescence, consistent with transcriptional changes in AMD patients. Hydrogel-based experiments confirmed that impaired integrin-mediated adhesion induces RPE senescence. Yes-associated protein 1 (YAP), a crucial mechanotransducer, mediated the protective effects of cell-matrix adhesion, and its activation alone reversed aging phenotypes in senescent RPE cells. Notably, treatment with TRULI, a small-molecule YAP activator, significantly improved visual function in AMD and naturally aged mice. These findings highlight the integrin-YAP mechanotransduction pathway as a fundamental regulator of RPE senescence and a potential therapeutic target for AMD.