Mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 2 (MST2)

Mammalian sterile 20-like kinase 2 (MST2) is a serine/threonine-protein kinase of the STE family, closely related to MST1, and acts as a central regulator of the Hippo signaling pathway in mammals[4][5]. MST2 influences signal transduction mechanisms controlling cell proliferation, apoptosis, organ size, and tissue homeostasis[4]. It directly phosphorylates and activates downstream kinases such as LATS1/2, modulating transcription factors including YAP and TAZ that control cell fate decisions[4]. MST2 serves critical roles as a tumor suppressor, regulating cancer progression[1][4], as well as mediating stress-induced responses in tissues—including pathological cardiac hypertrophy[2] and photoreceptor cell death in retinal degeneration[6]. Its regulation is linked to inflammation and immune cell infiltration[6]. MST2 is under investigation as a therapeutic target for disease states involving abnormal cell growth, death, or remodeling, with kinase inhibitors proposed for cardiac and neurodegenerative indications[2][6]. Genetic variation in the MST2 gene may predispose individuals to cardiac disorders, making it a candidate biomarker[2].

Other names

STE20-like serine/threonine-protein kinase 2STK3 (Standard HGNC symbol)Mammalian Ste20-like kinase 2Mst2Mammalian Sterile20-like kinase 2Hippo kinase orthologue

Drugs targeting MST2 would likely act as kinase inhibitors targeting the Hippo pathway, affecting cell proliferation, cell death, or remodeling Suppression of MST2 activity may reduce pathological cell death or adverse organ remodeling