Caveolin is the principal protein component of caveolae. It plays a crucial role in the formation and stabilization of these structures. Caveolin proteins (Caveolin-1, Caveolin-2, and Caveolin-3) are involved in various cellular functions: - Structural Integrity: They provide structural support to the caveolae. - Regulation of Endocytosis: Caveolins regulate the endocytic process by interacting with other proteins and lipids. - Signal Transduction: They participate in the modulation of signaling pathways by interacting with signaling molecules.
