Organ size control by Hippo and TOR pathways

Curr Biol. 2012 May 8;22(9):R368-79. doi: 10.1016/j.cub.2012.03.003. Epub 2012 May 7.

Abstract

The determination of final organ size is a highly coordinated and complex process that relies on the precise regulation of cell number and/or cell size. Perturbation of organ size control contributes to many human diseases, including hypertrophy, degenerative diseases, and cancer. Hippo and TOR are among the key signaling pathways involved in the regulation of organ size through their respective functions in the regulation of cell number and cell size. Here, we review the general mechanisms that regulate organ growth, describe how Hippo and TOR control key aspects of growth, and discuss recent findings that highlight a possible coordination between Hippo and TOR in organ size regulation.

Publication types

  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Humans
  • Organ Size*
  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase / metabolism*
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases / metabolism*

Substances

  • Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase
  • Protein Serine-Threonine Kinases