Association of the <i>APC</i> Gene Product with β-Catenin

TLDR

APC gene mutations are associated with familial adenomatous polyposis and sporadic colorectal and gastric tumor progression. The study aimed to identify proteins associated with APC to understand its function. Using APC antibodies, a 95‑kDa protein was immunoprecipitated, purified, and sequenced as beta‑catenin, which binds E‑cadherin. Beta‑catenin antibodies detected the 95‑kDa protein in APC immunoprecipitates, indicating APC’s role in cell adhesion.

Abstract

Mutations in the human APC gene are linked to familial adenomatous polyposis and to the progression of sporadic colorectal and gastric tumors. To gain insight into APC function, APC-associated proteins were identified by immunoprecipitation experiments. Antibodies to APC precipitated a 95-kilodalton protein that was purified and identified by sequencing as beta-catenin, a protein that binds to the cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin. An antibody specific to beta-catenin also recognized the 95-kilodalton protein in the immunoprecipitates. These results suggest that APC is involved in cell adhesion.