Caveolins in vascular smooth muscle: form organizing function.
Caveolae are becoming increasingly recognized as an important organizational structure for a variety of signal and energy-transducing systems in vascular smooth muscle (VSM). In this review, we discuss the emerging role of the caveolins in organizing and modulating the basic functions of smooth muscle: contraction, growth/proliferation, and the energetic support systems that support these functions. With clear alterations in cell metabolism and function in VSM with altered caveolin-1 (Cav-1) protein expression and with cardiovascular abnormalities associated with Cav-1 null mice, the caveolin family of proteins may play an important role in the function and dysfunction of VSM.
Hardin
Christopher D
CD
Department of Medical Pharmacology and Physiology, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65212, USA. HardinC@missouri.edu
Vallejo
Johana
J
D000818:Animals; D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000378:metabolism; D022461:Caveolins / Q000378:metabolism*; D002454:Cell Differentiation / Q000502:physiology; D049109:Cell Proliferation; D006801:Humans; D009119:Muscle Contraction / Q000502:physiology*; D009131:Muscle, Smooth, Vascular / Q000502:physiology*; D015398:Signal Transduction / Q000502:physiology*
D022461:Caveolins