Caveolae: From Cell Biology to Therapeutic Strategies

Abstract

Caveolae, special microdomains within the plasma membrane, were discovered in 1950s. Morphologically, they are "flask-shape" plasma membrane invagination. The caveolar system is composed of specific lipids, cholesterol and sphingolipids, and variety of protein molecules. The caveolin protein was later identified as a marker protein for caveolae. It has been shown that caveolae and caveolin implicate in a wide range of physiological and pathological conditions. They play roles in modulating lipid homeostasis, regulating signal transduction pathway and vesicular trafficking. They also have been involved in pathogenesis of many human diseases. Further understanding of the caveolae and caveolin cell biology will gain more insight into human physiology and pathology, leading to a very potential therapeutic strategy.