[Plakoglobin (gamma-Catenin) is a major soluble and membrane-associated cytoplasmic protein common to desmosomes and intermediate junctions. It associates with the cytoplasmic region of Desmoglein I and mediates the connection of cadherins to actin filaments and to other transmembrane and peripheral cytoplasmic proteins in epithelial adherens junctions. The cadherin-catenin complex interacts with EGFR; beta-Catenin and Plakoglobin are tyrosine phosphorylated by activated EGFR. APC binds to and regulates beta- and gamma-Catenin. Homologues of Drosophila armadillo, beta-Catenin and gamma-Catenin have analogous structures and functions in cell adhesion and the WNT signaling pathway. Several mutations of gamma-Catenin have transforming activity dependent on TCF/LEF and c-MYC function. Beta- and gamma-Catenin may have distinct roles in WNT signaling via differential effects on downstream target genes. (from OMIM 173325 and NCI) ( NCI )]