CDH1 and cancer: It is reported that downregulation of the α-catenin, and β-catenin seems to be associated with dysfunction of E-cadherin-mediated cell adhesion and an increase in the metastatic potential of cancer cells (Kadowaki et al, 1994; Matsui et al, 1994; Ochiai et al, 1994; Pierceall et al, 1995; Rimm et al, 1995).