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Caveolin-1

Meaning

Caveolin-1 is a crucial structural protein serving as the primary coat component for flask-shaped invaginations of the plasma membrane known as caveolae, which are particularly abundant in endothelial, fat, and muscle cells. This protein functions as a scaffolding platform, concentrating and organizing numerous signaling molecules and receptors into specialized membrane microdomains. It is considered a critical regulator of cellular processes, playing dual roles as both a promoter and an inhibitor in various cellular pathways. The expression and localization of Caveolin-1 are fundamental to understanding cell-to-cell communication and tissue integrity.