Hippo pathway: Regulation, deregulation and potential therapeutic targets in cancer

Hippo pathway is a master regulator of development, cell proliferation, stem cell function, tissue regeneration, homeostasis, and organ size control. Hippo pathway relays signals from different extracellular and intracellular events to regulate cell behavior and functions. Hippo pathway is conserved from Protista to eukaryotes. Deregulation of the Hippo pathway is associated with numerous cancers. Alteration of the Hippo pathway results in cell invasion, migration, disease progression, and therapy resistance in cancers. However, the function of the various components of the mammalian Hippo pathway is yet to be elucidated in detail especially concerning tumor biology. In the present review, we focused on the Hippo pathway in different model organisms, its regulation and deregulation, and possible therapeutic targets for cancer treatment. •Hippo pathway is a master regulator of development, cell proliferation, tissue homeostasis, and organ size control.•Deregulation of the Hippo pathway is associated with numerous cancers.•Alteration of the Hippo pathway results in cell invasion, migration, disease progression, and therapy resistance in cancers.•Targeting Hippo pathway offers a new paradigm in therapeutic intervention in cancer.