Hippo signaling in the heart – Non-canonical pathways impact growth, survival and function –

Abstract

Initially identified in Drosophila melanogaster, the Hippo signaling pathway regulates organ size through modulation of cell proliferation, survival and differentiation. This pathway is evolutionarily conserved and canonical signaling involves a kinase cascade that phosphorylates and inhibits the downstream effector Yes-associated protein (YAP). Recent research has demonstrated a fundamental role of Hippo signaling in cardiac development, homeostasis, injury and regeneration, and remains the subject of intense investigation. However, 2 prominent members of this pathway, RASSF1A and Mst1, have been shown to influence heart function and stress responses through YAP-independent mechanisms. This review summarizes non-canonical targets of RASSF1A and Mst1 and discusses their role in the context of cardiac hypertrophy, autophagy, apoptosis and function.