Catenin alpha-like protein 1 (CTNNAL1)

Catenin alpha-like protein 1 (CTNNAL1), also known as alpha-catulin, is a cytoskeletal linker protein encoded by the CTNNAL1 gene on human chromosome 9. It is a member of the vinculin/alpha-catenin family, with actin filament and cadherin binding activities[1][3][5][8]. CTNNAL1 is widely expressed across tissues (notably in endocrine, muscle, and reproductive tissues) and functions primarily in cell adhesion, regulation of the cytoskeleton, and cell migration[1][5][8]. It acts as a scaffold for signal transduction pathways, particularly modulating Rho GTPase signaling via interaction with Lbc Rho guanine nucleotide exchange factor (ARHGEF1), as well as binding to elements of the dystrophin complex, β-catenin, and IKK-β to influence the NF-κB pathway[1][5][6]. CTNNAL1 participates in important developmental processes (e.g., neural tube closure) and has been implicated in cancer progression, especially in regulating cell migration, invasion (epithelial-mesenchymal transition), and possibly in maintaining stemness in cancer cells[1]. Dysregulation or loss of function may contribute to neural tube defects and is also associated with Hirschsprung disease and neuromuscular disorders[1][5]. There are no current drugs known to target CTNNAL1 specifically, and it is not a recognized therapeutic target or biomarker in clinical practice.

Other names

Alpha-catulinalpha-catulinACRPCLLPalpha2-catulinalpha-catenin-related proteincatenin (cadherin-associated protein) alpha-like 1