Axin: a master scaffold for multiple signaling pathways.
Axin was originally identified from the characterization of the Fused locus, the disruption of which leads to duplication of axis and embryonic lethality. It is a multidomain protein that interacts with multiple proteins and functions as a negative regulator of Wnt signaling by downregulating the beta-catenin levels. Recently, it was demonstrated that Axin also plays an important role in a JNK signaling pathway. Axin utilizes discriminatory domains for its distinct roles in the Wnt pathway and in the Axin/JNK pathway. Here we review the data that show how Axin regulates multiple signaling pathways by serving as a scaffold protein, controlling diverse cellular functions in proliferation, fate determination, and suppression of tumorigenesis.
Luo
Wen
W
Department of Biochemistry, Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, Kowloon, Hong Kong, China.
Lin
Sheng-Cai
SC
D000818:Animals; D060466:Axin Protein; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases / Q000378:metabolism; D008954:Models, Biological; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins / Q000378:metabolism; D012097:Repressor Proteins / Q000737:chemistry / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*; D015534:Trans-Activators / Q000378:metabolism; D051153:Wnt Proteins; D029961:Zebrafish Proteins; D051176:beta Catenin
D060466:Axin Protein; C495270:CTNNB1 protein, human; D003598:Cytoskeletal Proteins; D011518:Proto-Oncogene Proteins; D012097:Repressor Proteins; D015534:Trans-Activators; D051153:Wnt Proteins; D029961:Zebrafish Proteins; D051176:beta Catenin; D020928:Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases