Catenin alpha-1 (CTNNA1)

Catenin alpha-1 (CTNNA1, also known as alpha-E-catenin) is a cytoskeletal protein that plays a central role in cell-cell adhesion by linking cadherin family adhesion molecules at the plasma membrane to the actin cytoskeleton inside the cell[1][3][4]. It acts as a mechanosensor, undergoing conformational changes in response to cytoskeletal tension, thereby regulating the dynamic association between cadherin complexes and actin filaments. CTNNA1 is essential for various biological functions including maintenance of tissue architecture, signal transduction, cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis, and immune response[2][4]. Mutations and reduced expression of CTNNA1 are implicated in several diseases, especially various cancers (colorectal, breast, and endometrial cancer)[2][3]; it may act either as a tumor suppressor or be involved in oncogenic processes depending on cellular context and mutation status. CTNNA1 does not appear to be a current direct therapeutic target for drugs, but alteration of its expression or function is a biomarker for cancer progression and may represent an indirect target in future therapeutic strategies[2][3].

Other names

Alpha-E-cateninαE-cateninCadherin-associated protein αCAP102MDPT2MDBS2Renal carcinoma antigen NY-REN-13catenin (cadherin-associated protein) alpha 1