Understanding the role of mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 (MST1) in cardiovascular disorders

Hippo signaling is a conserved pathway and plays important roles in controlling cell proliferation and differentiation. As a critical component of the Hippo pathway in mammals, mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 1 (MST1) participates in cell apoptosis and cell proliferation. Yes-associated protein (YAP) acts as a downstream transcriptional co-activator of MST1. MST1 is present in heart tissue and helps determine the fate of cardiomyocytes by regulating the balance between autophagy and apoptosis. Recent studies showed MST1 signaling is an essential participant in many cardiovascular disorders, including aortic dissection, aortic aneurysm, atherosclerosis, myocardial ischemic injury, and cardiomyopathy. Previous studies have summarized the roles of MST1 in cardiovascular development. In this review, we focused on the roles of MST1 signaling in cardiovascular disorders.