The Hippo pathway regulates axis formation and morphogenesis in Hydra

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2022 Jul 19;119(29):e2203257119. doi: 10.1073/pnas.2203257119. Epub 2022 Jul 12.

Abstract

How did cells of early metazoan organisms first organize themselves to form a body axis? The canonical Wnt pathway has been shown to be sufficient for induction of axis in Cnidaria, a sister group to Bilateria, and is important in bilaterian axis formation. Here, we provide experimental evidence that in cnidarian Hydra the Hippo pathway regulates the formation of a new axis during budding upstream of the Wnt pathway. The transcriptional target of the Hippo pathway, the transcriptional coactivator YAP, inhibits the initiation of budding in Hydra and is regulated by Hydra LATS. In addition, we show functions of the Hippo pathway in regulation of actin organization and cell proliferation in Hydra. We hypothesize that the Hippo pathway served as a link between continuous cell division, cell density, and axis formation early in metazoan evolution.

Keywords: Hippo; Hydra; Wnt; Yap; axis formation.

Publication types

  • Research Support, N.I.H., Extramural
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Body Patterning
  • Hippo Signaling Pathway*
  • Hydra* / genetics
  • Hydra* / growth & development
  • Hydra* / metabolism
  • Morphogenesis* / genetics
  • Transcription, Genetic
  • YAP-Signaling Proteins / metabolism

Substances

  • YAP-Signaling Proteins