Caveolins and caveolae: roles in signaling and disease mechanisms

Caveolae are 50-100 nm flask-shaped invaginations of the plasma membrane thatare primarily composed of cholesterol and sphingolipids. Using modern electron microscopy techniques, caveolae can be observed as omega-shaped invaginations of the plasma membrane, fully-invaginated caveolae, grape-like clusters of interconnected caveolae (caveosome), or as transcellular channels as a consequence of the fusion of individual caveolae. The caveolin gene family consists ofthree distinct members, namely Cav-1, Cav-2 and Cav-3. Cav-1 and Cav-2 proteins are usually co-expressed and particularly abundant in epithelial, endothelial, and smooth muscle cells as well as adipocytes and fibroblasts. On the other hand, the Cav-3 protein appears to be muscle-specific and is therefore only expressed in smooth, skeletal and cardiac muscles. Caveolin proteins form highmolecular weight homo- and/or hetero-oligomers and assume an unusual topologywith both their N- and C-terminal domains facing the cytoplasm. Discusses pleiotropic functions of caveolae and caveolin proteins. Presents the role and function of caveolae and caveolins in cell signaling and human disease mechanisms. Focuses on selected topics. INDICE: Lipid Rafts, Caveolae and GPI?Linked Proteins. Caveolae and the Regulation of Endocytosis. Caveolin?1: Role in Cell Signaling. Regulation of eNOS in Caveolae. Recent Developments in the Interactions Between Caveolin and Pathogens. Caveolin?1 and Breast Cancer: A New Clinical Perspective. Caveolin?1 and Prostate Cancer Progression. Caveolins and Caveolae, Roles in Insulin Signalling and Diabetes. Atherosclerosis, Caveolae and Caveolin?1. Caveolins and Heart Diseases. Caveolins and Lung Function.

• ISBN: 978-1-4614-1221-2
• Editorial: Springer New York
• Encuadernacion: Cartoné
• Páginas: 184
• Fecha Publicación: 28/11/2011
• Nº Volúmenes: 1
• Idioma: Inglés