Caveolae Markers

Caveolae are specialised domains within the plasma membrane, primarily formed by three integral membrane proteins known as caveolins. Caveolin-1 and Caveolin-2 are widely expressed in different tissues and cell types; they form the principal structural components of caveolae. These proteins contain hairpin-like structures that span the plasma membrane and oligomerise to create characteristic flask-shaped invaginations. Caveolin-1, in particular, plays a key role in caveolae formation and function, crucial for their structural integrity and lipid composition. Caveolin-3 is predominantly expressed in muscle cells, contributing to the formation of specialised caveolae called sarcolemma invaginations. These domains have specific functions in muscle signalling and mechano-sensing. Overall, caveolae are responsible for sequestering lipid and protein substrates supporting processes including: vesicular trafficking; signal transduction; cell adhesion; and apoptosis. Regarding cell signalling, caveolae microdomains create platforms which concentrate signalling molecules such as receptors, kinases, and G proteins. Caveolae also mediate a specific pathway of endocytosis termed caveolae-mediated endocytosis (CME). During CME, caveolae pinch off from the plasma membrane, internalising specific cargo molecules from the extracellular space into the cell. In addition to caveolins, CME is regulated by accessory cavin proteins which stabilise and modulate caveolae through controlled caveolin oligomerisation. Following endocytosis, caveolae fuse with early endosomes where cargo can be sorted for recycling or degradation as appropriate. Caveolin isoforms represent useful markers to visualise and track caveolae. Researchers may also utilise lipid raft markers and fluorescently labelled molecules to investigate caveolae lipid composition and dynamics. We offer a range of antibodies against caveolae markers including Caveolin 1 antibodies, Caveolin 2 antibodies, and Caveolin 3 antibodies, that are validated for use in multiple applications and available in various host species, antibody types, and formulations. These reagents can provide valuable insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying caveolae-mediated processes and their impact on human health and disease.