| Type: | Family | Name: | Beta-catenin |
| Description: | Three different forms of catenin (designated alpha, beta and gamma) comprise the cytoplasmic domain of the cadherin cell-cell adhesion complex []. Beta-catenin forms a cadherin/beta-catenin/alphaE-catenin complex that can tether the tripartite adhesion complex and regulate actin dynamics []. This entry represents the beta catenins and homologues, plakoglobin and the Drosophila Armadillo protein [], which are implicated in cell adhesion and Wnt signalling []. Originally identified as downstream elements (armadillo phenotype) of the Wnt signalling pathway (wingless phenotype) [, ]. The beta-catenin structure has been determined [, ]. Beta catenin family proteins contain several ARM repeats, sequences of approximately 50 amino acids involved in protein-protein interactions. Each repeat consists of three helices [, , ], with helix 1 and 3 antiparallel to each other and perpendicular to helix 2 [, , ]. A conserved glycine residue allows the sharp turn between helices 1 and 2 [, , ]. | Short Name: | Beta-catenin |
