Role of caveolin-1 in human organ function and disease: friend or foe?

Abstract

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is a structural protein component of caveolae, which are invaginations of the plasma membrane involved in various cellular processes, including endocytosis, extracellular matrix organization, cholesterol distribution, cell migration and signaling. Mounting evidence over the last 10-15 years has demonstrated a central role of Cav-1 in many diseases, such as cancer, diabetes and fibrosis. Cav-1 plays positive and negative roles in various diseases through its different regulation pathways. Here, we review the current knowledge on Cav-1 in different diseases and discuss the role of this protein in human organs and diseases.