Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 15, 2026
07:16
Monitoring Hippo Signaling Pathway Activity Using a Luciferase-based Large Tumor Suppressor LATS Biosensor
Published on: September 13, 2018
20.8K
Energy stress tames the Hippo pathway
1Department of Molecular and Cell Biology, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720, USA.
Nature Cell Biology
|March 28, 2015
Summary
AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) opposes YAP's growth promotion, explaining how metformin may protect against cancer. This energy stress sensor
Area of Science:
- Cellular biology
- Molecular signaling
- Metabolic regulation
Background:
- AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) is a key sensor of cellular energy status.
- Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a transcriptional co-activator regulated by the Hippo signaling pathway.
- YAP activation promotes cell growth and is implicated in cancer development.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the regulatory relationship between AMPK and YAP.
- To explore the implications of this relationship for cancer prevention by metformin.
Main Methods:
- Utilized molecular biology techniques to study AMPK and YAP interactions.
- Investigated the effects of metformin on AMPK and YAP activity in cellular models.
Main Results:
- Demonstrated that AMPK activation inhibits the growth-promoting activity of YAP.
- Established AMPK as a key mediator of metformin's effects.
Conclusions:
- AMPK acts as a negative regulator of YAP, counteracting its pro-growth effects.
- The findings provide a molecular mechanism for the observed cancer-protective effects of metformin, linking energy metabolism to cancer signaling.
Related Concept Videos
01:21Stress Response System
1.2K
The stress response system, also known as the fight-or-flight response, is the body's automatic physiological reaction to perceived threats. Hans Selye introduced the concept of General Adaptation Syndrome (GAS) to describe the predictable pattern of changes that occur in response to stress. GAS consists of three sequential stages: alarm, resistance, and exhaustion. This model helps explain how chronic stress can contribute to health problems.
Alarm stage
In the alarm stage, the body's...
Alarm stage
In the alarm stage, the body's...
1.2K
01:37Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis
71.2K
The response to stress—be it physical or psychological, acute or chronic—involves activation of the Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis. The HPA axis is part of the neuroendocrine system because it involves both neuronal and hormonal communication. Its function is to regulate homeostatic systems—metabolic, cardiovascular, and immune—providing the necessary means to respond to a stressor.
71.2K
01:24Physiological Foundation of Stress
1.1K
Stress triggers a coordinated physiological response involving the sympathetic nervous system (SNS) and the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. This dual activation ensures that the body is prepared for both immediate and prolonged stress management. The process begins with the perception of a stressor. This initial phase activates the SNS, leading to the rapid release of adrenaline (epinephrine) from the adrenal glands.
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
Role of the Sympathetic Nervous System
Adrenaline triggers the...
1.1K
01:24Other Glycolytic Pathways
1.2K
The pentose phosphate pathway (PPP) operates in parallel with glycolysis, facilitating the metabolism of both pentoses and glucose. This pathway consists of two distinct phases: the oxidative and non-oxidative phases. While it does not directly generate ATP, the intermediates formed during the process can integrate into glycolysis, contributing to cellular energy metabolism when required.Oxidative Phase: NADPH ProductionThe oxidative phase of the pentose phosphate pathway is primarily...
1.2K
01:17Role of ER in the Secretory Pathway
7.9K
Eukaryotic cells have a special pathway that enables communication between various intracellular membrane-bound compartments and also with the extracellular environment. This pathway is termed as the secretory pathway.
Components of the secretory pathway
About a third of proteins synthesized in the cell are sorted via the secretory route. They shuffle between different compartments in membrane-bound vesicles until they reach their final destination. The main intracellular compartments involved...
Components of the secretory pathway
About a third of proteins synthesized in the cell are sorted via the secretory route. They shuffle between different compartments in membrane-bound vesicles until they reach their final destination. The main intracellular compartments involved...
7.9K
02:33Hedgehog Signaling Pathway
10.4K
The Hedgehog gene (Hh) was first discovered due to its control of the growth of disorganized, hair-like bristles phenotype in Drosophila, much like hedgehog spines. Hh plays a crucial role in the development of organs and the maintenance of homeostasis in both invertebrates and vertebrates. However, while Drosophila has only one Hh protein, mammals have multiple functional Hedgehog proteins - Sonic (Shh), Desert (Dhh), and Indian Hedgehog (Ihh). All of these homologous proteins have adapted to...
10.4K