Hippo Biosciences Hippo Biosciences Contact
Our science

The Hippo/YAP signaling pathway

A conserved signaling network that controls cell growth, survival, and tissue size, and a key regulator of the female reproductive tract.

How it works

From cell signals to gene expression

The Hippo pathway is a kinase cascade that decides whether the transcriptional co-activators YAP and TAZ can enter the nucleus.

Upstream signalsCell–cell contact, extracellular matrix stiffness, and G-protein coupled receptors feed into the core cascade.
MST1/2 kinase complexMST1/2, with its scaffold SAV1, phosphorylates and activates LATS1/2.
LATS1/2 phosphorylates YAP/TAZPhosphorylated YAP/TAZ is held in the cytoplasm and degraded, keeping growth genes silent.
YAP–TEAD transcriptionWhen the pathway is off, YAP enters the nucleus, binds TEAD factors, and switches on genes for growth and survival.
HIPPO ONCELL MEMBRANEUpstream signalscontact · stiffness · GPCRsMST1/2 · SAV1LATS1/2 · MOB1NUCLEUSpYAP / pTAZheld in cytoplasm · degradedGrowth genes silentHIPPO OFFCELL MEMBRANEUpstream signalscontact · stiffness · GPCRsMST1/2 · SAV1LATS1/2 · MOB1NUCLEUSkinases inactiveYAPYAP–TEADCTGF · CYR61 · ANKRD1
When the Hippo pathway is on, YAP is held in the cytoplasm. When it is off, YAP drives gene expression in the nucleus.
01Ovarian cancerFallopian tube origin of HGSC02Fertility preservationOvarian follicle health03Cervical cancerYAP1-driven carcinogenesis
Hippo/YAP activity has been studied across the ovary, fallopian tube, and cervix
In the reproductive tract

Why it matters for women's health

  • Ovarian cancer. YAP can drive high-grade serous carcinoma arising from fallopian tube secretory epithelial cells, and forms autocrine loops with the ERBB pathway.
  • Fertility. Timely expression and activation of YAP1 in granulosa cells is essential for ovarian follicle development.
  • Cervical cancer. YAP1 hyperactivation can initiate cervical carcinogenesis in animal models, including independently of HPV, and a YAP1–LATS2 feedback loop helps maintain tissue homeostasis.
See the research
Our approach

Designed around context

Because YAP acts as an oncogene in gynecological cancers but supports normal follicle health, a one-size-fits-all approach would fail. We match the intervention to the tissue.

Inhibit

Cancer programs

Block hyperactive YAP signaling in ovarian and cervical cancer cells.

Restore

Fertility program

Restore physiological — not excessive — YAP signaling in the ovary.

“The Hippo/YAP pathway is a targetable vulnerability across female reproductive tract disease — from cancer to infertility. Our mission is to turn that insight into therapies for women.”

Partner with us

We welcome conversations with scientists, clinicians, investors, and strategic partners who share our commitment to women's health.

Get in touch