Function
STK4 is a stress-activated, pro-apoptotic kinase. Upon caspase cleavage, it enters the nucleus, causing chromatin condensation and DNA fragmentation. It is a key component of the Hippo pathway, regulating organ size and tumor suppression by controlling cell proliferation and apoptosis. STK4/MST1, with SAV1, phosphorylates and activates LATS1/2 (complexed with MOB1), which inactivates YAP1 and WWTR1/TAZ. YAP1 phosphorylation prevents nuclear translocation and regulation of genes involved in cell proliferation, death, and migration. STK3/MST2 and STK4/MST1 suppress hepatocyte proliferation, prevent oval cell activation, and inhibit tumor formation. STK4 phosphorylates histone H2B Ser14 during apoptosis, FOXO3 (inducing nuclear translocation and cell death), MOBKL1A, MOBKL1B, RASSF2, TNNI3, FOXO1 (Ser212, activating it and stimulating PMAIP1 transcription), and SIRT1 (inhibiting p53 deacetylation, promoting p53-dependent transcription and apoptosis). It inhibits AKT1 and phosphorylates AR (Ser650), suppressing its activity.