The catenins (alpha, Beta and gamma) are ubiquitously expressed, cytoplasmic proteins associated with E-cadherin at cellular junctions. Beta-catenin also binds to N-cadherin and co-immunoprecipitates with APC. Cadherin/catenin complexes are linked to the cytoskeleton via a direct association between alpha-actinin and alpha-catenin. Increases tyrosine phosphorylation can disrupt catenin-cadherin complexes, influencing cellular adhesion.