b-Catenin Antibody

Catenins are proteins found in complexes with cadherin cell adhesion molecules of animal cells. The first two catenins that were identified became known as alpha-catenin, which can bind to beta-catenin and can also bind actin, and beta-catenin. b-Catenin binds the cytoplasmic domain of some cadherins as an adherens junction protein. In normal tissues, b-catenin is localized to the membrane of epithelial cells, consistent with its role in the cell adhesion complex. In breast ductal neoplasia, it is usually localized in cellular membranes. However, in lobular neoplasia, a marked redistribution throughout the cytoplasm results in a diffuse cytoplasmic pattern. It plays an important role in various aspects of liver biology including liver development (both embryonic and postnatal), liver regeneration following partial hepatectomy, HGF-induced hepatpomegaly, liver zonation, and pathogenesis of liver cancer.