The above studies potentially support the hypothesis that, in the context of cardiac ECM remodeling and/or fibrosis, the ECM stiffness and/or cytoskeletal tension may change and affect YAP1 activity; furthermore, activated YAP1 modulates the progression of ECM remodeling and fibrosis, which further exacerbates cardiac injury and even contributes to the development of chronic heart failure. The gene discussed is YAP1; the disease is congestive heart failure.