The Hippo pathway. In mammalian cells, the Hippo pathway kinase cascade inhibits YAP by direct phosphorylation of YAP by Lats to generate a 14-3-3–binding site that induces YAP cytoplasmic translocation and inactivation. Evidence to support the role of YAP as an oncogene is listed. Ex indicates Expanded; Mer, Merlin, also called NF2; Mst, Mst1/2, also called STK4 and STK3, Hpo homolog; WW45, Sav homolog; Mob, Mps 1 binder kinase activator-like 1A/B, MOBKL1A/B, Mats homolog; Lats, Lats1/2, Wts homolog; YAP, Yes-associated protein, Yki homolog; TAZ, transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif, also called WWTR1, Yki homolog; and TEAD, TEA domain family member 1/2/3/4. Dashed arrows indicate unknown biochemical mechanism and question marks denote unknown components. Adapted from Zhao et al⁷  with permission. Professional illustration by Debra T. Dartez.