YAP1 and cancer: As for signaling pathways, YAP/TAZ downregulates miR-29 in the soft ECM through non-classical pathways (e.g., miR-29/PI3K/Akt), disinhibits PI3K/Akt pathway, activates downstream STAT3, and drives the expression of stem-like genes in HCC, which is different from the stiff-YAP positive feedback in most cancers [95].