Wnt signal transduction: more than one wat to skin a (beta-)cat?

Genetic and biochemical studies have suggested that signal transduction by the Wnt pathway is very different to the familiar protein-kinase cascade of the Ras pathway. Among the more intriguing findings is that beta-catenin, a component of intercellular adhesive junctions, is a central component in the Wnt signalling pathway. Recent studies suggest ways in which beta-catenin might serve as a focal point for regulation of adhesion, gene expression and cell proliferation.