# Targeting Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway: an updated review demonstrating the therapeutic potential of key plant derived anticancer compounds

**Authors:** Deena Elsori, Pratibha Pandey, Kholoud Alshaikh, Ali G. Alkhathami, Mohd Saeed, Ajay Singh, Fahad Khan

PMC · DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2025.1743102 · Frontiers in Pharmacology · 2026-01-21

## TL;DR

This paper reviews plant-derived compounds that target the Hippo-YAP/TAZ signaling pathway, offering potential for new cancer treatments.

## Contribution

The paper highlights recent advancements in plant-derived inhibitors of the Hippo pathway for cancer therapy.

## Key findings

- Plant-derived compounds like apigenin and curcumin inhibit the YAP/TAZ/TEAD complex in cancer models.
- These compounds show potential as both preventative and therapeutic agents in cancer treatment.
- Inhibiting Hippo signaling could enhance the efficacy of standard cancer therapies.

## Abstract

A signaling mechanism that has persisted through evolution, the Hippo pathway is involved in the development and progression of many different types of cancer. Specifically, the complex comprising YAP, TAZ and TEAD is a crucial component of the Hippo signaling, which governs cell growth and stem cell activity. The upregulation of YAP/TAZ/TEAD complex has been demonstrated to result in cellular proliferation, transformation, and ultimately, carcinogenesis. Consequently, it has been shown that Hippo signaling is a prospective target for cancer treatment and prevention. Numerous natural compounds have been identified as inhibitors of the Hippo signaling pathway that downregulate YAP and TAZ in various ways. In several cancer models, plant-derived natural compound inhibitors have been shown to function as both preventative and therapeutic agents. This study examined the modulatory effects of extensively investigated antitumor natural products on the Hippo signaling system and highlights new advancements in Hippo signaling inhibitors that enhance the efficacy of standard cancer therapies. This article offers extensive insight into plant derived anticancer compounds mainly apigenin, curcumin, EGCG, resveratrol, homoharringtonine, and ursolic acid of the Hippo pathway, specifically YAP/TAZ, in several cancer therapies. This will enhance the discovery of novel Hippo inhibitors and the optimal therapeutic application of Hippo signaling-related pharmaceuticals in synergistic cancer therapies.

## Linked entities

- **Genes:** YAP1 (Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator) [NCBI Gene 10413], TAFAZZIN (tafazzin, phospholipid-lysophospholipid transacylase) [NCBI Gene 6901], sd (scalloped) [NCBI Gene 32536]
- **Chemicals:** apigenin (PubChem CID 5280443), curcumin (PubChem CID 969516), EGCG (PubChem CID 65064), resveratrol (PubChem CID 5056), homoharringtonine (PubChem CID 285033), ursolic acid (PubChem CID 64945)
- **Diseases:** cancer (MONDO:0004992)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** TAFAZZIN (tafazzin, phospholipid-lysophospholipid transacylase) [NCBI Gene 6901] {aka BTHS, CMD3A, EFE, EFE2, G4.5, LVNCX}, YAP1 (Yes1 associated transcriptional regulator) [NCBI Gene 10413] {aka COB1, YAP, YAP-1, YAP2, YAP65, YKI}
- **Diseases:** carcinogenesis (MESH:D063646), cancer (MESH:D009369)
- **Chemicals:** ursolic acid (MESH:C005466), resveratrol (MESH:D000077185), EGCG (MESH:C045651), curcumin (MESH:D003474), apigenin (MESH:D047310), homoharringtonine (MESH:D000077863)

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

160 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12867798/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12867798