Figure 2.

Mechanical stretch induces β-catenin activity through Wnt-protein-dependent and -independent ways. A, Mechanical stretch up-regulates Wnt proteins to activate Wnt signals. After Disheveled is recruited to inactivate the β-catenin destruction complex, this leads to the accumulation of β-catenin in the nucleus. β-catenin combines with the transcription factor TCF/LEF to regulate the transcription of target genes. B, Mechanical stimulation can also lead to the degradation of E-cadherin, releasing β-catenin in the E-cadherin binding pool, resulting in the accumulation of β-catenin in the nucleus and ultimately regulating the transcription of target genes.