The protein encoded by this gene is part of a complex of proteins that constitute adherens junctions (AJs). AJs are necessary for the creation and maintenance of epithelial cell layers by regulating cell growth and adhesion between cells. The encoded protein also anchors the actin cytoskeleton and may be responsible for transmitting the contact inhibition signal that causes cells to stop dividing once the epithelial sheet is complete. Finally, this protein binds to the product of the APC gene, which is mutated in adenomatous polyposis of the colon. The distinct peripheral cytosolic proteins, alpha, beta and gamma catenin (102, 94 and 86 kDa) are found in many tissues and bind to the conserved cytoplasmic tail domain of the cell adhesion cadherins. Catenins link E cadherin to other integral membrane or cytoplasmic proteins and are modulated by Wnt1 proto oncogene. The central core region of beta catenin is involved in mediation of cadherin catenin complex interaction with EGFR. Beta-Catenin-mediated signalling is involved at several stages of vertebrate neural development.
