The role of Axin in beta-catenin-independent signaling

This thesis describes the role of the tumor suppressor protein Axin in β-catenin-independent signaling. The scaffolding protein Axin is especially known for its key function in the Wnt signaling pathway. The Wnt signaling pathway plays an important role in embryogenesis, tissue repair and tissue maintenance and is affected in various cancers, indicating the importance of proper regulation of Wnt signaling. Axin is a component of the destruction complex, responsible for β-catenin degradation and therefore studied intensively. Recent research has revealed important regulatory roles for Axin in other key pathways in the cell, such as TGF-β, JNK and p53 signaling. Axin is shown to be involved in cytoskeleton organization as well. These intriguing roles of Axin in β-catenin-independent signaling will be discussed in this thesis