Hippo signaling promotes JNK-dependent cell migration

Abstract

Significance Cancer is the leading cause of death worldwide, although studies revealed that dysregulation of the Hippo pathway contributes to tumorigenesis, whereas its roles in tumor invasion and cell migration remain paradoxical and largely elusive. Using Drosophila as a model, we herein find cross-talk between the Hippo and JNK pathways in regulating cell migration and invasion. Mechanistically, we identify bantam -Rox8 modules as essential components downstream of Yorkie in mediating JNK-dependent cell invasion. Our finding is particularly important as it offers a wake-up call for therapeutic interventions of Hippo-related cancers, because simply increasing Hippo signal activity may paradoxically accelerate cell invasion and metastasis.