Transcription activator involved in oxidative stress response and cadmium resistance (PubMed:9439570). Regulates the transcription of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes and components of the cellular thiol-reducing pathways. Activity of the transcription factor is controlled through oxidation of specific cysteine residues resulting in the alteration of its subcellular location. Activation by alkyl hydroperoxides or cadmium induces nuclear accumulation and as a result YAP1 transcriptional activity (By similarity). Oxidized YAP1 is found predominantly in the nucleus, while reduced YAP1 is continuously exported to the cytoplasm by CRM1/exportin 1. Contains two cysteine rich domains (CRD), referred to as the N- and C-terminal CRD's, n-CRD (Cys-265 and Cys-272) and c-CRD (Cys-531, Cys-553 and Cys-562), respectively. A nuclear export signal is embedded in the c-CRD, with which the nuclear export protein CRM1/exportin 1 interacts only in the absence of disulfide bonds (or otherwise oxidized cysteines) within the c-CRD or between the c-CRD and the n-CRD. Oxidative stress induces conformational changes through oxidation of cysteine residues, masking the nuclear export signal, thus abolishing nuclear export by CRM1/exportin 1. Belongs to the bZIP family. YAP subfamily.