Overview:

AXIN 1 encodes a cytoplasmic protein which contains a regulation of G-protein signaling (RGS) domain and a dishevelled and axin (DIX) domain that interacts with adenomatosis polyposis coli, catenin beta-1, glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta, protein phosphate 2, and itself. AXIN1 has both positive and negative regulatory roles in Wnt-beta-catenin signaling. AXIN1 is a core component of a 'destruction complex' that promotes phosphorylation and polyubiquitination of cytoplasmic beta-catenin, resulting in beta-catenin proteasomal degradation in the absence of Wnt signaling. Nuclear accumulation of AXIN1 can positively influence beta-catenin-mediated transcription during Wnt signalling and can induce apoptosis (1). AXIN1 may be an effective therapeutic molecule for suppressing growth of hepatocellular and colorectal cancers (2).

Gene Aliases:

AXIN; MGC52315

Genbank Number:

BC044648

References:

1. Lui, T. T. H.et.al: The ubiquitin-specific protease USP34 regulates axin stability and Wnt/beta-catenin signaling. Molec. Cell. Biol. 31: 2053-2065, 2011.

2. Satoh, S.et.al: AXIN1 mutations in hepatocellular carcinomas, and growth suppression in cancer cells by virus-mediated transfer of AXIN1. Nature Genet. 24: 245-250, 2000.