cateninlike

Catenin-like is a descriptive term used in molecular biology to refer to proteins that resemble the catenin family in sequence, domain architecture, or function. In practice, it most often denotes proteins that contain Armadillo repeats or related motifs and that engage in protein–protein interactions similar to classical catenins. The term does not designate a single gene family, and its precise meaning can vary between studies.

Structural features of catenin-like proteins typically include arrays of Armadillo repeats, which form a curved, elongated surface suitable for binding multiple partners. Some members also have regulatory regions at the N- or C-terminus that mediate interactions with cadherins, actin, or signaling components. Subcellular localization can be cytoplasmic, membrane-associated, or nuclear, depending on context and interaction networks.

Functional roles of catenin-like proteins are diverse but often relate to roles seen in canonical catenins: participation in protein–protein interaction networks that link cell–cell adhesion to the cytoskeleton, involvement in signaling pathways, or regulation of gene expression. While classical catenins such as α-, β-, and γ-catenin have well-defined roles in adherens junctions and, for β-catenin, in Wnt signaling, catenin-like proteins may contribute to adhesion, cytoskeletal organization, or pathway modulation with varying conservation and partner associations.

Evolution and nomenclature of the term reflect its descriptive nature. Catenin-like proteins are identified by similarity to catenins but are not universally defined as a single family. As annotations differ, it is important to consult domain analyses and functional data for each protein to determine whether it is a bona fide catenin, a catenin-like protein with Armadillo repeats, or a divergent related family.

See also: catenin, Armadillo repeat, adherens junction, Wnt signaling.