Abstract
Caveolae are 70–100 nm diameter plasma membrane invaginations found in abundance in adipocytes, endothelial cells, myocytes, and fibroblasts. Their bulb-shaped membrane domain is characterized and formed by specific lipid binding proteins including Caveolins, Cavins, Pacsin2, and EHD2. Likewise, an enrichment of cholesterol and other lipids makes caveolae a distinct membrane environment that supports proteins involved in cell-type specific signaling pathways. Their ability to detach from the plasma membrane and move through the cytosol has been shown to be important for lipid trafficking and metabolism. Here, we review recent concepts in caveolae trafficking and dynamics. Second, we discuss how ATP and GTP-regulated proteins including dynamin and EHD2 control caveolae behavior. Throughout, we summarize the potential physiological and cell biological roles of caveolae internalization and trafficking and highlight open questions in the field and future directions for study.
Highlights
Caveolae are 70–100 nm diameter sized plasma membrane invaginations that form bulb shape invaginations into the cytosol (Figure 1)
How is Eps15 homologous domain containing protein 2 (EHD2) oligomerization and its effect on caveolae plasma membrane stabilization and detachment regulated? Recent structural, cellular, and physiological data indicated that the ATP-dependent oligomerization of EHD2 is an important regulator for caveolae traffic
Caveolae internalization is found in many cells and tissues
Summary
Caveolae are 70–100 nm diameter sized plasma membrane invaginations that form bulb shape invaginations into the cytosol (Figure 1). We divide caveolar internalization into 5 steps: (1) caveolae dynamics at the plasma membrane, (2) detachment from the cell membrane, (3) fusion with endosomes followed by accumulation in lysosomes or (4) non-endosomal trafficking to intracellular organelles, and (5) recycling of caveolae (see overview in Figure 2 and the following sections). EHD2 removal from caveolar neck promotes caveolae detachment from the plasma membrane followed by intracellular trafficking.
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
