Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 14, 2026

09:41
Reconstitution Of β-catenin Degradation In Xenopus Egg Extract
Published on: June 17, 2014
Adhesion signaling: how beta-catenin interacts with its partners
1Cellular Biochemistry and Biophysics Program, Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, New York, New York 10021, USA.
Current Biology : CB
|October 10, 2001
Summary
Beta-catenin is crucial for cell adhesion and signaling. Its structural complexes reveal how it binds diverse partners using a shared surface, offering insights into interaction regulation.
Area of Science:
- Molecular Biology
- Cell Biology
- Structural Biology
Background:
- Beta-catenin is a key protein involved in both cell-cell adhesion and nuclear signaling pathways.
- Understanding beta-catenin's interactions is vital for comprehending cellular processes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the structural complexes of beta-catenin.
- To clarify how beta-catenin binds multiple partners using a conserved surface.
- To gain insights into the regulation of beta-catenin interactions.
Main Methods:
- Structural elucidation of beta-catenin complexes (specific methods not detailed in abstract).
Main Results:
- Structural data reveals beta-catenin utilizes a common surface for binding various partners.
- The findings provide a structural basis for understanding beta-catenin's diverse roles.
Conclusions:
- The structural insights into beta-catenin complexes are beginning to explain its multi-functional nature.
- Understanding these structural mechanisms is key to deciphering the regulation of beta-catenin's cellular functions.
Related Concept Videos
Assembly of Signaling Complexes
Multiprotein signaling complexes are formed in a dynamic process involving protein-protein interactions at the cytoplasmic domain of transmembrane receptors or enzymatic and non-enzymatic proteins associated with the receptor. These complexes ensure the activation and propagation of intracellular signals that regulate cell functions.
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
Interaction domains in cell signaling
Interaction domains recognize exposed features of their binding partners containing post-translationally modified sequences,...
Intracellular Signaling Affects Focal Adhesions
Integrins act both as extracellular input receivers and as intracellular processing activators. As their name suggests, integrins are entirely integrated into the membrane structure. Their hydrophobic membrane-spanning regions interact with the phospholipid bilayer's hydrophobic region. These membrane receptors provide extracellular attachment sites for effectors like hormones and growth factors. They activate intracellular response cascades when their effectors are bound and active.
Some...
Some...
Catenins
Catenins are characterized by multiple binding domains and dynamic structures that allow them to function as linker proteins in cell junction complexes. All catenins, except α-catenin, contain a characteristic protein sequence called the armadillo repeat and are therefore also called armadillo proteins.
Catenins in Cell Junctions
Catenins bind to cell adhesion molecules such as cadherins and link them to different cytoskeletal proteins depending on the type of cell junction. At the adherens...
Catenins in Cell Junctions
Catenins bind to cell adhesion molecules such as cadherins and link them to different cytoskeletal proteins depending on the type of cell junction. At the adherens...
Adherens Junctions
Strong contact points between adjacent cells anchor them to each other, forming tissues. Such anchoring junctions are of two types – adherens junctions and desmosomes. Adherens junctions are abundant in tissues such as epithelium and endothelium, forming a continuous zone of adhesion called the adhesion belt. In other tissues, such as heart muscle, they appear as clusters, linking the cells to produce coordinated heart muscle contraction.
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
Adherens Junctions are Dynamic
The endothelial cells...
Cadherins in Tissue Organization
The cadherins are a superfamily of cell adhesion molecules comprising over 180 variants, with specific tissues expressing a particular combination of cadherin types. Cadherins generally exhibit homophilic binding; i.e., cadherins on one cell bind to cadherins of the same or closely related type on another cell. Thus, cells of the same type have a specific affinity to bind to each other and sort themselves into clusters to form tissues.
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Cell Sorting During Development
Cell sorting plays an...
Tension Response at Adherens Junctions
The adherens junctions that anchor cells together are multi-protein complexes that dynamically adapt to mechanical stimuli such as tensile forces and shear stress. Mechanosensory proteins in these junctions can sense such mechanical stimuli and undergo a shift in their conformation, resulting in an altered function — a process called mechanotransduction.
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin homology) domains...
α-Catenin as a Mechanosensory Protein
The α-catenin of adherens junctions is an allosteric protein with three VH (vinculin homology) domains...

