Three-dimensional structure of the armadillo repeat region of beta-catenin.
Huber, A.H., Nelson, W.J., Weis, W.I.(1997) Cell 90: 871-882
- PubMed: 9298899 
- DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/s0092-8674(00)80352-9
- Primary Citation of Related Structures:  
2BCT, 3BCT - PubMed Abstract: 
Beta-catenin is essential for cadherin-based cell adhesion and Wnt/Wingless growth factor signaling. In these roles, it binds to cadherins, Tcf-family transcription factors, and the tumor suppressor gene product Adenomatous Polyposis Coli (APC). A core region of beta-catenin, composed of 12 copies of a 42 amino acid sequence motif known as an armadillo repeat, mediates these interactions. The three-dimensional structure of a protease-resistant fragment of beta-catenin containing the armadillo repeat region has been determined. The 12 repeats form a superhelix of helices that features a long, positively charged groove. Although unrelated in sequence, the beta-catenin binding regions of cadherins, Tcfs, and APC are acidic and are proposed to interact with this groove.
Organizational Affiliation: 
Department of Structural Biology, Stanford University School of Medicine, California 94305, USA.