Catenin
Catenin
Catenin (pronounced: kuh-TEE-nin) is a protein that plays a crucial role in cell adhesion and intracellular signaling. The term "catenin" is derived from the Latin word "catena", which means "chain". Catenins are part of a complex with Cadherin, a type of protein that helps cells stick together.
Etymology
The term "catenin" was first used in the scientific literature in the late 20th century. It is derived from the Latin word "catena", which means "chain". This is a reference to the way these proteins link or "chain" together cells in the body.
Function
Catenins are involved in the regulation of cell adhesion and intracellular signaling. They interact with the cytoplasmic domain of Cadherin, a type of protein that helps cells stick together. This interaction is crucial for the formation and maintenance of adherens junctions, which are important for tissue structure and integrity.
There are three types of catenins: alpha-catenin, beta-catenin, and gamma-catenin (also known as plakoglobin). Beta-catenin is also involved in the Wnt signaling pathway, a series of steps that relay signals from outside the cell to the inside.
Related Terms
- Cadherin: A type of protein that helps cells stick together. Catenins interact with the cytoplasmic domain of cadherins to form and maintain adherens junctions.
- Wnt signaling pathway: A series of steps that relay signals from outside the cell to the inside. Beta-catenin is involved in this pathway.
- Adherens junction: A type of cell junction that is important for tissue structure and integrity. Catenins are crucial for the formation and maintenance of adherens junctions.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Catenin
- Wikipedia's article - Catenin
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