Onyx Pharmaceuticals, 3031 Research Drive, Richmond, California 94806, USA. ppolakis@onyx-pharm.com
The activation of beta-catenin to an oncogenic state can result from the inactivation of the tumor suppressor adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), by direct mutation in the beta-catenin gene, or by the activation of wnt receptors. Once activated, beta-catenin most likely promotes tumor progression through its persistent interaction with one or more of its numerous downstream targets.