Anti-α1-Catenin (Tyr-148), Phosphospecific Antibody

α-catenins are cadherin interacting proteins with homology to vinculin. Three α-catenin genes have been described including α1-catenin (αE-Catenin), α2-catenin (αN-catenin), and α3-catenin (αT-catenin). α1-catenin has 81% homology with α2-catenin and 60% homology with α3-catenin. These α-catenin isoforms may have similar roles since each binds cadherins. However, their expression patterns are both overlapping and distinct. α1-catenin was identified in epithelial cells, and is expressed in various cell types. α2-catenin is enriched in the nervous system, and α3-catenin is expressed highest in testis and heart. Phosphorylation may regulate the activity of α1-catenin, since tyrosine phosphorylation of Tyr-148 occurs during intercellular adhesion. This site is dephosphorylated by SHP2, which inhibits α1-catenin binding to β-catenin and translocation to the plasma membrane. Phosphorylation of α1-catenin at Tyr-148 may be important for inhibition of cell transformation, and dephosphorylation of this site may be important during SHP2-mediated cell transformation.