beta-catenin was originally identified as a cytosolic cell protein required for the correct function of the cadherin cell-cell adhesion complex. However, recent studies have identified the presence of intracellular pools of beta-catenin that are cadherin-independent and that beta-catenin is also involved in Wnt-1, src and Tcf-Lef mediated intracellular pathways. Thus, this molecule functions not only as a regulator of cell-cell adhesion, but as a mediator of intracellular signalling cascades resulting in cell growth and proliferation. Furthermore, its association with other proteins such as the tumour suppressor gene product APC may implicate it in the processes of tumour progression.

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