Language
English
Publication Date
11-1-2025
Journal
Physiology
DOI
10.1152/physiol.00003.2025
PMID
40358043
PMCID
PMC12353178
PubMedCentral® Posted Date
5-13-2026
PubMedCentral® Full Text Version
Author MSS
Abstract
Ischemic heart disease, which affects more than 200 million people worldwide, is caused by reduced blood flow to the heart and leads to widespread cardiomyocyte death. Due to the limited regenerative potential of cardiomyocytes, the lost tissue is replaced by a fibrotic scar, resulting in reduced cardiac function and progression to heart failure. Current therapeutic interventions aim to improve blood flow but cannot address the inability of cardiomyocytes to renew after injury. However, multiple studies have shown that modulating the Hippo signaling pathway to activate Yes-associated protein (YAP), a transcription coactivator, in adult murine and porcine cardiomyocytes induces robust cardiomyocyte proliferation. Here, we discuss the therapeutic potential of YAP activation in the context of cardiac renewal, with a focus on both cardiomyocyte intrinsic mechanisms and the role of the microenvironment. These findings provide important insights into cardiac regeneration and strategies for developing therapies for human patients.
Keywords
Animals, Regeneration, Humans, Hippo Signaling Pathway, Myocytes, Cardiac, Signal Transduction, Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases, Heart, YAP-Signaling Proteins, Cell Proliferation
Published Open-Access
yes
Recommended Citation
Rich Gang Li, Fansen Meng, and James F Martin, "Targeting the Hippo Pathway for Cardiac Regeneration" (2025). Faculty, Staff and Students Publications. 6600.
https://digitalcommons.library.tmc.edu/baylor_docs/6600