Hippo / YAP-TAZ pathway
DEHippo / YAP-TAZ-Signalweg
The Hippo pathway is an ancient kinase cascade that controls organ size, tissue balance, and stem-cell activity. Its core kinases (MST1/2 and LATS1/2) work by tagging two co-activator proteins, YAP and TAZ, which switches them off. When Hippo signaling is on, the tagged YAP/TAZ are held in the cytoplasm or destroyed. When the pathway is off, YAP/TAZ move into the nucleus, team up with TEAD transcription factors, and switch on pro-growth, anti-death gene programs. Many inputs converge on the pathway: mechanical forces, cell density, the stiffness of the surrounding matrix, and G-protein-coupled receptor signals. In aging, your stiffer tissues and altered mechanics can throw YAP/TAZ off balance, contributing to poor regeneration and fibrosis. YAP/TAZ are also implicated in the SASP and in cells that escape senescence.
Last reviewed:
This definition is educational and is not medical advice, a diagnosis, or treatment. Talk to a doctor about any health decisions. Read our full medical disclaimer