YAP, Yes associated protein is the nuclear executer of the hippo pathway. It is a positive regulator of cell growth and its overexpression in the mouse liver leads to hepatomegaly and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. YAP is now well defined as an oncogene. On the other hand, Grb10, (Growth factor bound protein 10), is an adapter protein that has been found to have a role in metabolism and growth regulation. GRB10 binds the insulin receptor and insulin like growth factor receptor 1, which could potentially explain this role although it has yet to be studied thoroughly. Grb10 knockout mice embryos showed overall size expansion and liver overgrowth. Recently, YAP was found to regulate mTOR (a kinase regulating cell growth) through PTEN (Phosphatase and tensin homolog). Interestingly, Grb10 was also recently identified as a substrate of mTOR. These findings suggest complex crosstalk between all these proteins to regulate organ size. My aim is to investigate the potential cross talk between YAP and Grb10 in growth control and tumorigenesis.

YAP, Yes associated protein is the nuclear executer of the hippo pathway. It is a positive regulator of cell growth and its overexpression in the mouse liver leads to hepatomegaly and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. YAP is now well defined as an oncogene. On the other hand, Grb10, (Growth ...