Open Biol., 2022 · DOI: https://doi.org/10.1098/rsob.210357 · Published: February 9, 2022
This study uses Drosophila to understand Snail's role in tissue development, specifically how it affects cell growth and proliferation through the Hippo signaling pathway. The research shows that Snail is important for cell proliferation and tissue overgrowth caused by impaired Hippo signaling. It also demonstrates Snail's role in the expression of Hippo pathway target genes. The study finds that Snail works with a protein called Scalloped (Sd) to promote cell proliferation. In essence, Yorkie (Yki) activates Snail, which then binds to Sd to facilitate cell growth.
The study sheds light on the mechanisms controlling tissue and organ size during development.
Insights into the interplay between Snail and Hippo signaling may provide a better understanding of tumor progression.
Identifying Snail as a key regulator in the Hippo pathway opens potential avenues for therapeutic interventions in diseases involving abnormal tissue growth or cell proliferation.