Fig. 2. The core components of Hippo-YAP/TAZ signalling and Hippo kinase-mediated YAP/TAZ regulations.

The core components of this signalling include the core kinase cascade (MST1/2 and LATS1/2), adaptors (SAV, MOB1A/B) and the downstream effectors YAP/TAZ. When the kinase cascade is activated, LATS1/2 operate an inhibitory phosphorylation of YAP/TAZ, leading to their cytoplasmic retention and proteasomal degradation. When the Hippo kinase cascade is inactivated, YAP/TAZ can translocate to the nucleus where they interact with TEADs (the main transcriptional partners) to induce the transcription of downstream target genes, thereby promoting cell proliferation, anti-apoptosis and organ growth.