axin
|ax-in|
/ˈæk.sɪn/
axis-related scaffold protein
Etymology
'axin' originates from modern scientific English coinage, combining the word 'axis' (from Latin 'axis') with the protein-forming suffix '-in' (used in English/French to denote proteins/substances), where 'axis' meant 'axis' and '-in' meant 'protein/substance'.
'axin' was coined in molecular biology in the late 20th century (from studies in organisms like Xenopus and mammals) by forming 'axis' + '-in' to name a protein affecting axis formation; it entered the technical vocabulary as the protein/gene name 'Axin' and related gene symbols (e.g., AXIN1, AXIN2).
Initially, the term referred specifically to a gene/protein identified by its role in axis formation; over time it broadened to denote the family of scaffold proteins that regulate Wnt signaling and their corresponding genes.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
(molecular biology) Any of a family of scaffold proteins (e.g., Axin1, Axin2) that negatively regulate the Wnt signaling pathway and help assemble protein complexes for β-catenin degradation.
Axin binds to several partners to promote β-catenin degradation and thereby inhibit Wnt signaling.
Synonyms
Last updated: 2025/12/05 20:28