MOB Kinase Activator 1B (MOB1B) is a protein encoded by the MOB1B gene in humans. This protein is a crucial component of the Hippo signaling pathway, which plays a significant role in regulating organ size, cell proliferation, and apoptosis (programmed cell death). The Hippo pathway is essential for maintaining tissue homeostasis and preventing tumor formation.
The MOB1B gene is located on chromosome 4 and is known to produce multiple transcript variants encoding different isoforms of the protein . The protein encoded by this gene is similar to the yeast Mob1 protein, which binds to Mps1p, a protein kinase essential for spindle pole body duplication and mitotic checkpoint regulation .
MOB1B functions as an activator of LATS1/2 kinases in the Hippo signaling pathway . The core of this pathway involves a kinase cascade where STK3/MST2 and STK4/MST1, in complex with their regulatory protein SAV1, phosphorylate and activate LATS1/2 in complex with MOB1. This activation leads to the phosphorylation and inactivation of the YAP1 oncoprotein and WWTR1/TAZ . Phosphorylation of YAP1 by LATS1/2 inhibits its translocation into the nucleus, thereby regulating genes involved in cell proliferation, cell death, and cell migration .
The Hippo signaling pathway, with MOB1B as a key component, is pivotal in controlling organ size and tumor suppression by restricting cell proliferation and promoting apoptosis . Dysregulation of this pathway can lead to uncontrolled cell growth and cancer. MOB1B’s role in this pathway underscores its importance in maintaining cellular and tissue homeostasis.
Mutations or alterations in the MOB1B gene have been associated with various diseases, including Warburg Micro Syndrome 1 . This syndrome is characterized by developmental abnormalities, including microcephaly, intellectual disability, and eye abnormalities. Understanding the function and regulation of MOB1B can provide insights into the mechanisms underlying these conditions and potentially lead to therapeutic interventions.
MOB1B is ubiquitously expressed in various tissues, with cytoplasmic localization . It is also found in the nucleoplasm and nucleoli, indicating its involvement in multiple cellular processes . The protein interacts with several other proteins, further highlighting its role in complex cellular networks .