UTSW Unveils Hippo Signaling Pathway's Involvement in Tissue Growth and Cancer

Duojia Pan, PhD

Embarking on a research journey spanning the evolution of science across continents, Dr. Duojia "DJ" Pan, Chair of Physiology at UT Southwestern and a distinguished National Academy of Sciences member, has made significant strides in unraveling the mysteries of the Hippo signaling pathway. His pioneering work in identifying and characterizing this intracellular pathway, which regulates tissue growth across the animal kingdom, has earned him the prestigious 2022 Passano Award. This annual accolade recognizes established U.S. researchers for their work expected to lead to clinical applications.

Dr. Pan's research, spanning more than two decades, has unveiled the intricate mechanisms of the Hippo pathway, shedding light on its pivotal role in organ-size control and regeneration. Beyond these fundamental aspects, the pathway has emerged as a key player in immunity and the initiation of cancer. Dr. Pan's dedication to understanding how organisms precisely grow their organs during development and maintain proportionality throughout their lifetimes reflects a lifelong commitment to solving this intriguing scientific puzzle.