The β catenin pathway is crucial in maintaining the balance between cell proliferation and apoptosis. Dysregulation can lead to uncontrolled cell growth, which is a hallmark of cancer. Mutations in components of the β catenin pathway, such as APC, axin, or β catenin itself, can result in the stabilization and nuclear accumulation of β catenin, leading to the activation of oncogenic target genes. This abnormal signaling is observed in a variety of cancers, including colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and certain types of breast cancer.
