A protein called beta-catenin has two jobs in a cell: it helps cells stick together and also activates genes through the canonical Wnt signalling pathway. Beta-catenin functions in a variety of capacities in the classical Wnt signalling pathway. Genes that control cell proliferation and differentiation are activated during the embryonic stage via the modulation of Beta Catenin levels. Over-expression of beta-catenin may result in cancer since it continues to control the cell cycle in an adult organism. Pathological disorders including Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, and depression may also be brought on by malfunctions in Wnt signalling in the brain that are linked to beta-catenin levels. Stressful situations and a rise in glucocorticoid levels can affect beta-catenin.
