LATS receptors, also known as Large Tumor Suppressor Receptors, refer to a family of proteins that play a crucial role in regulating cell growth and proliferation. LATS receptors are a part of the Hippo signaling pathway, which is an intricate signaling network that controls organ size, tissue regeneration, and apoptosis in multicellular organisms.
LATS receptors are transmembrane proteins that are primarily found on the cell surface and are activated by various mechanisms such as phosphorylation or interaction with other proteins. Once activated, LATS receptors initiate a cascade of molecular events that ultimately inhibit the activity of a transcriptional co-activator called YAP (Yes-associated protein).
YAP is a key regulator of genes involved in cell growth and survival, and when it is active, it promotes cell proliferation. However, the activation of LATS receptors leads to the phosphorylation and subsequent degradation of YAP, resulting in the inhibition of cell proliferation and the prevention of tumor development.
LATS receptors are crucial in maintaining tissue homeostasis and preventing abnormal cell growth. Dysregulation of LATS receptors has been associated with various types of cancers, including liver, lung, breast, and ovarian cancers.
Understanding the role of LATS receptors and their involvement in cell growth regulation is essential in developing targeted therapeutic strategies for cancer treatment and prevention.
