catenin

(noun)

Any of a class of proteins that have a role in cell adhesion.

Related Terms

Examples of catenin in the following topics:

  • Adherens Junctions

    • These are called alpha-catenin, beta-catenin, gamma-catenin (aka plakoglobin), vinculin, and alpha-actinin. 
    • This intracellular (within the cell) tail then links up to catenin proteins to form the cadherin–catenin complex. 
    • This complex binds to vinculin and alpha-actinin; these two proteins are what link the cadherin–catenin complex to the cell’s internal skeletal framework (the actin microfilaments).

  • Angiogenesis and Disease

    • In normal cells (but not in cancerous ones), PKG apparently limits beta-catenin, which solicits angiogenesis.