The gene encoding p120^cas, a novel catenin, localizes on human chromosome 11q11 (CTNND) and mouse chromosome 2 (Catns)

The p120^cas gene encodes a protein tyrosine kinase substrate that associates with the cell-cell adhesion protein complex containing E-cadherin and its cytoplasmic cofactors α-catenin, β-catenin, and plakoglobin. Like other components of the cadherin/catenin complex, defects in p120^cas may contribute to cell malignancy. We have determined the chromosomal location of the p120^cas gene in human and mouse using fluorescence in situ hybridization and interspecific backcross analysis, respectively. The human p120^cas gene (CTNND) is localized immediately adjacent to the centromere on the long arm of chromosome 11 in band 11q11. The murine p120^cas gene (Catns) was assigned to the middle of chromosome 2. Neither locus is currently known to be associated with disease or malignancy.