AlphaCatenin

Alpha-catenin is a protein that belongs to the cadherin superfamily, which plays a crucial role in cell-cell adhesion and cell signaling. It is primarily expressed in epithelial cells and is involved in various cellular processes, including cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation. Alpha-catenin is encoded by the CTNNA1 gene and is one of the three major catenins, along with beta-catenin and p120 catenin.

Alpha-catenin interacts with the cytoplasmic domain of classical cadherins, such as E-cadherin, to form adherens junctions. These junctions are essential for maintaining tissue integrity and are involved in various physiological processes, including wound healing and tissue repair. Alpha-catenin also interacts with the actin cytoskeleton, helping to anchor the adherens junctions to the cell's internal structure.

Mutations in the CTNNA1 gene have been associated with several diseases, including familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and gastric cancer. In FAP, mutations in CTNNA1 lead to the formation of adenomatous polyps in the colon, which can progress to colorectal cancer. In gastric cancer, mutations in CTNNA1 are associated with the development of gastric adenocarcinomas.

Alpha-catenin is also a target for various therapeutic strategies, including small molecule inhibitors and monoclonal antibodies. These therapies aim to disrupt the interaction between alpha-catenin and cadherins, leading to the disruption of adherens junctions and the inhibition of tumor growth. However, the development of such therapies is still in its early stages, and more research is needed to fully understand the role of alpha-catenin in disease and to develop effective treatments.