What are the Pathological Implications of Caveolins?
Dysregulation or mutations in caveolins can lead to various diseases:
Cancer: Altered caveolin expression is observed in different cancers. Caveolin-1, for instance, can act as a tumor suppressor or promoter depending on the context. Cardiovascular Diseases: Mutations in caveolin-3 are associated with cardiomyopathies, and caveolin-1 dysregulation is linked to vascular diseases. Muscular Dystrophies: Mutations in caveolin-3 can result in various types of muscular dystrophies, highlighting its importance in muscle function. Metabolic Disorders: Caveolins play a role in metabolic regulation, and their dysfunction can contribute to conditions like insulin resistance and obesity.
