Endpoint differences explain YAP’s paradox

This proposed hypothesis asks how ageing skin might regain mobility after a wound closes, without returning its repair cells to persistent growth. It focuses on fibroblasts, connective-tissue cells that reshape surrounding material, and Yes-associated protein (YAP), a regulator linking mechanical forces to cell behaviour. YAP has been connected to both tissue contraction and repair. The proposal suggests the conflict may arise because molecular markers, active pulling force and lasting tissue mobility are different outcomes, yet are often treated as interchangeable. The test would activate or inhibit YAP under defined matrix tension, the stretch in tissue around cells, after closure. The same donor, closure criterion, timing and sampling must be used for every measurement.