Figure 6. Local collaboration of shear and hydrostatic stress can guide complex morphogenesis via YAP signaling.

(A). Model of a symmetric endocardial cushion in the AV canal or OFT. (B). Cross-section of the model shows the flowing blood generates hydrostatic stress and shear stress on cushions. (C). Oscillatory Shear Stress (OSS) and Compressive Stress (CS) promoted YAP nuclear translocation in the VEC and VIC, respectively. Unidirectional Shear Stress (USS) inhibited YAP nuclear translocation. CS promoted cushion growth by stimulating the proliferation of mesenchymal cells. (D). Shear stress drives cushion remodeling into leaflet structure by modulating the cell-cell adhesions between VECs. (E). Tensile Stress (TS) inhibited YAP nuclear translocation worked together with USS for a compact and elongated morphology.