β-catenin

β-Catenin is a multifunctional protein that plays a critical role in both cell-cell adhesion and gene transcription regulation. In the context of cell adhesion, β-catenin interacts with cadherin receptors to maintain the structural integrity of tissues. As a key component of the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, β-catenin acts as a transcriptional coactivator. In the absence of Wnt signaling, β-catenin is degraded by the proteasome. However, when Wnt is present, β-catenin stabilization occurs, allowing it to accumulate and translocate into the nucleus where it activates genes that promote cell proliferation and survival. Dysregulation of β-catenin is implicated in various cancers, making it a target for therapeutic intervention to control abnormal cell growth.