Caveolin-1 and caveolae in atherosclerosis: differential roles in fatty streak formation and neointimal hyperplasia.

Abstract

PURPOSE OF REVIEW:

Caveolae are 50-100 nm cell surface plasma membrane invaginations observed in terminally differentiated cells. They are characterized by the presence of the protein marker caveolin-1. Caveolae and caveolin-1 are present in almost every cell type that has been implicated in the development of an atheroma. These include endothelial cells, macrophages, and smooth muscle cells. Caveolae and caveolin-1 are involved in regulating several signal transduction pathways and processes that play an important role in atherosclerosis.

RECENT FINDINGS:

Several recent studies using genetically engineered mice (Cav-1 (-/-) null animals) have now clearly demonstrated a role for caveolin-1 and caveolae in the development of atherosclerosis. In fact, they suggest a rather complex one, either proatherogenic or antiatherogenic, depending on the cell type examined. For example, in endothelial cells, caveolin-1 and caveolae may play a proatherogenic role by promoting the transcytosis of LDL-cholesterol particles from the blood to the sub-endothelial space. In contrast, in smooth muscle cells, the ability of caveolin-1 to negatively regulate cell proliferation (neointimal hyperplasia) may have an antiatherogenic effect.

SUMMARY:

Caveolin-1 and caveolae play an important role in several steps involved in the initiation of an atheroma. Development of new drugs that regulate caveolin-1 expression may be important in the prevention or treatment of atherosclerotic vascular disease.

• Authors: Philippe G Frank, Michael P Lisanti
• Journal: Current opinion in lipidology (Curr Opin Lipidol) Vol. 15 Issue 5 Pg. 523-9 (Oct 2004) ISSN: 0957-9672 [Print] England
• PMID: 15361787 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S., Review)

Chemical References

• CAV1 protein, human
• CD36 Antigens
• Cav1 protein, mouse
• Caveolin 1
• Caveolins
• Lipoproteins

Topics

• Animals
• Arteriosclerosis (pathology)
• Biological Transport
• CD36 Antigens (biosynthesis)
• Caveolin 1
• Caveolins (physiology)
• Cell Membrane (metabolism)
• Cell Proliferation
• Humans
• Hyperplasia
• Lipoproteins (metabolism)
• Mice
• Mice, Transgenic
• Models, Biological
• Muscle, Smooth (metabolism, pathology)