Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 11, 2026
07:16
Monitoring Hippo Signaling Pathway Activity Using a Luciferase-based Large Tumor Suppressor LATS Biosensor
Published on: September 13, 2018
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The Regulation of the Hippo Signalling Pathway Effector YAP Through a Novel Lipid-Dependent Extracellular Matrix
Simge Karagil1,2, Natalia Haddad1, Michael Stolinski1
1Department of Biomolecular Sciences, Kingston University London, Kingston-upon-Thames KT1 2EE, UK.
Cells
|November 13, 2025
Summary
This study reveals a new connection between the Hippo pathway, extracellular matrix (ECM), and lipid metabolism in cancer. A novel lipid-dependent ECM complex was identified that positively regulates Yes-associated protein (YAP) activity.
Area of Science:
- Cell Biology
- Biochemistry
- Cancer Research
Background:
- Lipid metabolism is crucial for cellular functions and is altered in cancer.
- The Hippo signalling pathway, regulated by Yes-associated protein (YAP), controls tissue growth and is implicated in tumorigenesis.
- YAP activity is modulated by cytoplasmic phosphorylation and nuclear dephosphorylation, influencing cell proliferation and apoptosis, and is known to be positively regulated by the extracellular matrix (ECM).
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the unclear interplay between the Hippo signalling pathway, ECM, and lipid metabolism.
- To identify novel molecular mechanisms linking these three critical cellular processes.
Main Methods:
- Investigated the relationship between lipid metabolism, Hippo pathway signaling, and ECM components.
- Characterized a novel ECM complex and its role in YAP regulation.
Main Results:
- Established a novel link between the Hippo signalling pathway, ECM, and lipid metabolism.
- Identified a novel ECM complex that is dependent on lipids.
- Demonstrated that this ECM complex positively regulates YAP.
Conclusions:
- The findings uncover a new regulatory axis involving lipid metabolism, ECM, and YAP within the Hippo pathway.
- This discovery provides potential new targets for cancer therapy by modulating lipid-dependent ECM interactions.
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