title: Molecular and cellular biology of caveolae paradoxes and plasticities.
abstract: Caveolae are 50-100 nm invaginations that represent an appendage or subcompartment of the plasma membrane. They are found in most cell types but are abundant in fibroblasts, adipocytes, endothelial cells, type I pneumocytes, epithelial cells, and smooth and striated muscle cells. Functionally, caveolae have been implicated in three major processes: endothelial transcytosis, potocytosis, and signal transduction. Caveolin, a 21-24 kD integral membrane protein, is a principal component of the caveolar membrane in vivo. Within caveolar microdomains, caveolin functions as a multivalent docking site for recruiting and sequestering signaling molecules. More specifically, caveolin interacts directly in a regulated manner with multiple lipid-modified signaling molecules (such as Src-tyrosine kinases, Gα subunits, and H-Ras), preferring the inactive conformation of these molecules. Here, we present a general overview of our current knowledge of caveolae and caveolin functioning and possible implications for treatment of human disease. (Trends Cardiovasc Med 1997;7:103-110). © 1997, Elsevier Science Inc.
authors.affiliation: Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research, Nine Cambridge Center, Cambridge, MA 02142-1479, USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Couet
authors.forename: L
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Shengwen
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Okamoto
authors.forename: P E
authors.initials: PE
authors.lastname: Scherer
authors.forename: M P
authors.initials: MP
authors.lastname: Lisanti