Caveolines

Caveolines are a family of integral membrane proteins that form flask-shaped invaginations of the plasma membrane known as caveolae. These structures, found in many cell types, are involved in a variety of cellular processes including signal transduction, endocytosis, lipid transport, and mechanosensing. There are three main isoforms of caveolin in mammals: caveolin-1, caveolin-2, and caveolin-3. Caveolin-1 and caveolin-2 are typically expressed together, while caveolin-3 is primarily found in muscle cells.

Caveolae are dynamic structures that can rapidly form and disappear. They are enriched in cholesterol and sphingolipids, which contribute to their unique membrane properties. Caveolin proteins themselves are thought to act as scaffolding proteins, organizing various signaling molecules within the caveolae. This compartmentalization allows for efficient and specific signal transduction pathways.

Dysregulation of caveolin expression or function has been linked to a number of diseases, including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and metabolic disorders. For example, caveolin-1 has been implicated in tumor growth and metastasis, while caveolin-3 mutations are associated with certain forms of muscular dystrophy. Research into caveolines and caveolae continues to uncover their diverse roles in cellular physiology and disease.