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Updated: May 7, 2026

Monitoring Hippo Signaling Pathway Activity Using a Luciferase-based Large Tumor Suppressor (LATS) Biosensor
Published on: September 13, 2018
Regulation of the Hippo pathway and implications for anticancer drug development
Hyun Woo Park1, Kun-Liang Guan
1Department of Pharmacology and Moores Cancer Center, University of California San Diego, La Jolla, CA 92093, USA.
Abstract:
Research in the past decade has revealed key components of the Hippo tumor suppressor pathway and its critical role in organ size regulation and tumorigenesis. Recent progress has identified a wide range of upstream factors that control the Hippo pathway, which include cell-cell contact, various diffusible signals, and cognate receptors. Dysregulation of the Hippo pathway, caused by gene mutation or aberrant expression, promotes cell proliferation and tumorigenesis. Here, we discuss the current state of Hippo pathway research, primarily focusing on upstream regulators and protein-protein interactions as potential therapeutic targets. Consideration of pharmacological intervention of the Hippo pathway may provide novel avenues for future therapeutic treatment of human diseases, particularly in cancer.
Insights
The Hippo pathway is crucial for organ size and preventing cancer. Understanding its upstream regulators and protein interactions offers new therapeutic targets for diseases, especially cancer.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Oncology
Background:
- The Hippo pathway is a critical regulator of organ size and a tumor suppressor.
- Recent research has identified numerous upstream factors influencing the Hippo pathway.
- Dysregulation of this pathway contributes to uncontrolled cell proliferation and cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of the Hippo pathway.
- To focus on upstream regulators and protein-protein interactions as therapeutic targets.
- To explore pharmacological interventions for Hippo pathway-related diseases, particularly cancer.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of recent advancements in Hippo pathway research.
- Analysis of upstream signaling mechanisms and protein interactions.
- Discussion of potential therapeutic strategies targeting the Hippo pathway.
Main Results:
- Key components and upstream regulators of the Hippo pathway have been identified.
- Cell-cell contact, diffusible signals, and receptors are major upstream controls.
- Pathway dysregulation through mutation or aberrant expression drives tumorigenesis.
Conclusions:
- Upstream regulators and protein-protein interactions represent promising therapeutic targets.
- Pharmacological targeting of the Hippo pathway offers novel treatment avenues for human diseases.
- Further research into Hippo pathway modulation holds significant potential for cancer therapy.
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