RESUMO
The article presents the data on the structure and mechanisms of ß-catenin functioning. The basic aspects of the role of ß-catenin in malignant transformation have been studied at various tumors. Primary structure of ß-catenin allows it to interact with many factors and ligands, including transcription factors, α-catenin, cadherin, Axin, Rho family GTPases, Bcl9 et al. This interaction is the base for ß-catenin's intracellular multi-functioning. The review presents data on the participation of ß-catenin in the mechanisms of adhesion, regulation of RNA metabolism, formation contacts with the cytoskeleton and its role in the canonical Wnt signaling pathway, marked examples pro-inflammatory and anti-inflammatory effects of ß-catenin. The ß-catenin involvement in malignant transformation and progression of certain tumors is not in doubt. The data on the changes in ß-catenin expression in the given examples of colon cancer, prostate cancer, different forms of thyroid cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma are presented with the prospects of its use as a marker and a predictor of malignant transformation. Continued research in this area will not only make use of ß-catenin as a potential predictor of malignant tumors, but also to develop approaches to targeted therapy.