Both Cell-Cell adhesion and secreted signaling molecules are involved in the regulation of normal tissue development and maintenance. β-catenin seems to link cadherin-mediated Cell-Cell adhesion and Wnt signaling. Thus, its activity in particular cells or tissues, either during normal development or in tumorigenesis, has become a fascinating topic of investigation. Because the multiple functions of β-catenin intimately relate to its amount and localization within a cell, immunohistochemical detection of this molecule simultaneously with the cell adhesion molecule cadherin should provide helpful information on its potential activities. This detection can be conducted on tissue sections by using appropriate tissue preparation procedures and primary antibodies from different species.
