The Hippo pathway in cellular reprogramming and regeneration of different organs.

We have a limited ability to stimulate cells in damaged tissues to regenerate properly patterned and functional organs. Excitingly, however, recent work shows that experimental modulation of the Hippo pathway can promote the regeneration of several organs in mice. The Hippo pathway plays pivotal and specific roles in organ growth, cellular plasticity, and stem cell biology, which are all important for regeneration. In this review we survey and compare the effects of experimental manipulation of Hippo signaling in mouse on the development, homeostasis, and regeneration of the heart, liver, intestine, and other organs. We also discuss the potential of targeting the Hippo pathway as a therapeutic approach for regenerative medicine.