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Hippo signaling in organ size control
1Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland 21205, USA. djpan@jhmi.edu
Genes & Development
|April 18, 2007
Summary
The Hippo (Hpo) pathway, a novel signaling network, regulates organ size and tissue homeostasis. This pathway inactivates Yorkie (Yki), controlling cell growth, survival, and proliferation across metazoan animals.
Area of Science:
- Developmental Biology
- Cell Biology
- Genetics
Background:
- Organ size control is a fundamental biological question.
- The Hippo (Hpo) pathway is a newly discovered signaling network.
- This pathway is conserved across metazoan animals.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a historical review of the Hippo (Hpo) pathway.
- To highlight outstanding questions in organ size control research.
- To explore the role of the Hpo pathway in tissue homeostasis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of the Hippo (Hpo) pathway.
- Analysis of conserved components in metazoan animals.
- Discussion of kinase cascade mechanisms.
Main Results:
- The Hpo pathway acts as a negative regulator of growth.
- It functions by phosphorylating and inactivating Yorkie (Yki).
- Yki is a transcriptional coactivator promoting cell growth, survival, and proliferation.
Conclusions:
- The Hpo pathway is a key regulator of organ size and tissue homeostasis.
- Understanding this pathway offers insights into fundamental biological questions.
- Future research will focus on the Hpo pathway's role in metazoan development and regeneration.
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