Description

The catenins (alpha, Beta and gamma) are ubiquitously expressed, cytoplasmic proteins associated with E-cadherin at cellular junctions. Beta-catenin also binds to N-cadherin and co-immunoprecipitates with APC. Cadherin/catenin complexes are linked to the cytoskeleton via a direct association between alpha-actinin and alpha-catenin. Increased tyrosine phosphorylation can disrupt catenin-cadherin complexes, influencing cellular adhesion. Mutations in the catenin gene, CTNNB1, have been implicated in its accumulation and various forms of carcinomas.