The Hippo signaling pathway coordinately regulates cell proliferation and apoptosis by inactivating Yorkie, the Drosophila homolog of YAP

The identification of yorkie (yki) as the elusive target of the warts (Wts/Lats) tumor suppressor is discussed. The overexpression of yki results in phenotype loss-of-function mutations of hippo (hpo) or wts, elevated transcription of cyceE and diap1, increase in proliferation, defective apoptosis and tissue overgrowth.