['To evaluate whether cardiomyocyte membrane structure and cell/extracellular matrix adhesion alterations perturb the cadherin/catenin complex in the hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).', 'Hypertrophic cardiomyopathic hamster (UM-X7.1 strain) and human hearts were studied by light and electron microscopy, Northern and Western blot analyses and immunohistochemistry.', 'Intercalated disks are disorganized in both hamster and human cardiomyopathic hearts; beta-catenin is increased and accumulated in intercalated disks depriving cardiomyocyte nuclei of fundamental signals. The accumulation of beta-catenin is post-translationally regulated by an increased Wnt expression, a simultaneous decrease in glycogen synthase kinase 3beta (GSK3beta) expression and a different expression pattern of adenomatous polyposis coli (APC) isoforms.'] Does beta-catenin accumulate in intercalated disks of hypertrophic cardiomyopathic hearts?