The Hippo pathway signaling network is an important developmental program for controlling cell proliferation and apoptosis.
The Hippo pathway in mammals limits the growth of adult stem and progenitor cells, which is a key part of controlling organ size and regeneration. In the past decades, numerous studies have focused on understanding the physiological roles of the Hippo-YAP/TAZ pathway, identifying its core regulators and upstream signals, and characterizing crucial target genes of YAP/TAZ.
 However, many unanswered questions still remain. Thus, we aspire to broaden our understanding of the Hippo-Yap/Taz pathway by unveiling these questions.
We are conducting research with the following crucial and compelling objectives:
1) to elucidate the role of Yap/Taz in conferring cellular plasticity. Utilizing the knock-out mouse lines for Hippo-Yap/Taz pathway components, we aim to ascertain the functions of each component within pathophysiological contexts. Notably, tissue regeneration processes wherein Yap/Taz are predominantly activated constitute a primary focus of our investigation.
2) to delineate the role of Yap/Taz in cancer. The dysregulation of Yap/Taz has been implicated in various cancers. Consequently, elucidating the role of Yap/Taz in cancer holds promise for advancing our understanding of the mechanisms underlying cancer development and contributing to therapeutic interventions.
3) the regulatory mechanisms of the Hippo-Yap/Taz pathway must be elucidated. While the up- and down-stream regulation of the Hippo-Yap/Taz pathway has been unveiled over the past decades, unanswered questions persist. We aim to identify unidentified factors and new regulatory mechanisms to address them.