The Hippo signaling pathway is an evolutionarily conserved mechanism that dictates organ size, maintains tissue homeostasis, and tightly regulates cell growth, division, and survival. At the heart of this process is YAP (Yes-associated protein), a potent transcriptional co-activator that serves as the main molecular switch for cellular expansion. When the Hippo pathway is unlocked (meaning it is turned “off”), YAP escapes its inhibitors, enters the nucleus, and unleashes a robust program of cell growth. 🧬 The Molecular On/Off Switch
The control of cell growth depends entirely on whether the Hippo pathway kinase cascade is active or inactive.
Control of proliferation and cancer growth by the Hippo … – PMC
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