ObjectiveTo summarize the progress of p120-catenin (p120ctn)——a new member of catenin family in tumor research. MethodsDemestic and international published literatures related to p120ctn in recent years were collected and reviewed. Results① p120ctn was involved in formation of cadherincatenin complex, participated in cell growth, proliferation, and adheren junctions. ② p120ctn regulated Rho GTP activity and promoted cell motility. ③ p120ctn was involved in the regulation of gene transcription through binding with the nuclear transcription factor Kaiso. ④ p120ctn was involved in angiogenesis process induced by vascular endothelial growth factor. ⑤ p120ctn was involved in inflammation, cell malignant transformation, and tumor invasion and metastasis. ConclusionsAs a new member of catenin family, p120ctn participates in a variety of biological processes relying on its cellular localization. It will be facilitated to judge the genesis and progression of tumor from the abnormal alteration of p120ctn according to understanding the biological function and mechanism of p120ctn in the molecular level, a new pathway in the prevention and treatment of cancer is provided.