Abstract
Caveolae are 50- to 100-nm cell-surface plasma membrane invaginations observed in terminally differentiated cells. They are particularly abundant in endothelial cells, where they are believed to play a major role in the regulation of endothelial vesicular trafficking and signal transduction. The use of caveolin-1-deficient mice has provided many new insights into the roles of caveolae and caveolin-1 in the regulation of endothelial cell function. These novel findings suggest an important role for caveolin-1 in the pathogenesis of cancer, atherosclerosis, and vascular disease.
Publication types
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Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
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Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.
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Review
MeSH terms
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Arteriosclerosis / etiology
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Capillary Permeability / physiology
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Caveolae / physiology*
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Caveolins / physiology*
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Endothelial Cells / physiology*
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Endothelial Cells / ultrastructure
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Endothelium, Vascular / cytology*
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Hemorheology
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Macromolecular Substances
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Neovascularization, Physiologic / physiology
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Nitric Oxide Synthase / physiology
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III
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Signal Transduction / physiology
Substances
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Caveolins
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Macromolecular Substances
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Nitric Oxide Synthase
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Nitric Oxide Synthase Type III