Multiple oncogenic roles of nuclear β-catenin

beta-Catenin is essential for embryonic development and required for cell renewal/regeneration in adult life. Cellular beta-catenin exists in three different pools: membranous, cytoplasmic and nuclear. In this review, we focus on functions of the nuclear pool in relation to tumorigenesis. In the nucleus, beta-catenin functions as both activator and repressor of transcription in a context-dependent manner. It promotes cell proliferation and supports tumour growth by enhancing angiogenesis. beta-Catenin-mediated signalling regulates cancer cell metabolism and is associated with tumour-initiating cells in multiple malignancies. In addition, it functions as both pro- and anti-apoptotic factor besides acting to inhibit recruitment of inflammatory anti-tumour T-cells. Thus, beta-catenin appears to possess a multifaceted nuclear function that may significantly impact tumour initiation and progression.