Caveolin-1 (CAV1), the structural protein of caveolae in the plasma membrane, has emerged as a regulator of liver function. CAV1 modulates several molecular pathways leading to the regulation of hepatic lipid accumulation, lipid and glucose metabolism, mitochondrial biology, and hepatocyte proliferation. CAV1 thus plays a crucial role in maintaining hepatic physiology during metabolic adaptation to fasting, liver steatosis, and hepatocyte proliferation associated with liver regeneration. With failure of such processes, CAV1 has been implicated in the modulation of cholestasis, hepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocarcinogenesis. This review discusses the latest research in CAV1 biology and related proteins, aiming to guide future endeavors that explore their role in liver physiology and disease.
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