Histidine phosphorylation of NME1 regulates the hippo pathway via the ARHGAP17–CDC42–cytoskeleton axis

Abstract NME1 is a key metastasis suppressor whose activity depends on histidine phosphorylation, yet the biological significance of this modification remains poorly understood. Here, we reveal a previously unrecognized role for NME1 in regulating the Hippo pathway. Using PhastID-based proximity labeling combined with functional assays, we demonstrate that NME1 modulates CDC42 activity via ARHGAP17, a GTPase-activating protein, thereby influencing cytoskeletal organization and Hippo activation. Loss of NME1 reduced YAP phosphorylation and promoted its nuclear localization, indicating suppression of Hippo signaling. These findings define a histidine phosphorylation-dependent NME1-ARHGAP17-CDC42-cytoskeleton axis that controls the Hippo pathway, providing new insights into the functional repertoire of NME1 in cancer and development.