How the Hippo pathway controls cell and organ growth
Regulation and function of the Hippo pathway in growth control
This work looks at how the Hippo pathway controls cell and organ growth to help understand cancers caused by changes in that pathway.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of California-Irvine NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Irvine, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11262836 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
The team studies core Hippo proteins—MST, LATS, adaptor proteins, YAP, and TEAD—to learn how they keep tissues the right size and how they malfunction in cancer. They use lab-grown cells, biochemical tests, and animal models to map how upstream signals like growth factors, energy levels, and mechanical cues change the pathway. The researchers also examine regulators such as MAP4Ks and the STRIPAK phosphatase complex to see how they switch the Hippo cascade on or off. The goal is to identify molecular points where future therapies might block harmful YAP-driven growth.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: This project does not enroll patients, but people with cancers known or suspected to involve Hippo/YAP signaling would be most relevant to its findings.
Not a fit: Patients whose cancers are unrelated to Hippo pathway changes or people seeking immediate treatment are unlikely to see direct benefit from this lab-based project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could point to new targets for cancer treatments that stop tumors driven by Hippo/YAP pathway changes.
How similar studies have performed: Previous lab studies have mapped Hippo pathway components and linked YAP to tumor growth, but few targeted therapies based on this pathway have reached the clinic so far.
Where this research is happening
Irvine, United States
- University of California-Irvine — Irvine, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Wang, Wenqi — University of California-Irvine
- Study coordinator: Wang, Wenqi
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.