Transcription factor which plays a key role in the Hippo signaling pathway, a pathway involved in organ size control and tumor suppression by restricting proliferation and promoting apoptosis. The core of this pathway is composed of a kinase cascade wherein MST1/MST2, in complex with its regulatory protein SAV1, phosphorylates and activates LATS1/2 in complex with its regulatory protein MOB1, which in turn phosphorylates and inactivates YAP1 oncoprotein and WWTR1/TAZ. Acts by mediating gene expression of YAP1 and WWTR1/TAZ, thereby regulating cell proliferation, migration and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) induction (By similarity). Interacts with YAP1 and WWTR1/TAZ. Expressed in embryos as well as in many adult tissues. Unusual initiator. The initiator methionine is coded by a non-canonical ATA isoleucine codon. Unusual initiator. The initiator methionine is coded by a non-canonical ATA isoleucine codon. Extended N-terminus. Unusual initiator. The initiator methionine is coded by a non-canonical ATA isoleucine codon.