The multiple faces of caveolae

RG Parton, K Simons - Nature reviews Molecular cell biology, 2007 - nature.com
Nature reviews Molecular cell biology, 2007nature.com
Caveolae are a highly abundant but enigmatic feature of mammalian cells. They form
remarkably stable membrane domains at the plasma membrane but can also function as
carriers in the exocytic and endocytic pathways. The apparently diverse functions of
caveolae, including mechanosensing and lipid regulation, might be linked to their ability to
respond to plasma membrane changes, a property that is dependent on their specialized
lipid composition and biophysical properties.
Abstract
Caveolae are a highly abundant but enigmatic feature of mammalian cells. They form remarkably stable membrane domains at the plasma membrane but can also function as carriers in the exocytic and endocytic pathways. The apparently diverse functions of caveolae, including mechanosensing and lipid regulation, might be linked to their ability to respond to plasma membrane changes, a property that is dependent on their specialized lipid composition and biophysical properties.
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