YAP forces fibroblasts to feel the tension.

Cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) may contribute to tissue tension and cancer progression by increasing extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and remodelling. However, how CAFs become activated and their roles in tumour mechanics have remained unclear. YAP is now identified as a tension-stimulated CAF activator that promotes malignancy through a mechanically reinforced feed-forward loop.