Caveolins have a unique hairpin-loop structure that allows them to insert into the lipid bilayer of the plasma membrane. This structure is crucial for the formation of caveolae. The N-terminal and C-terminal domains of caveolins are cytoplasmic, while the central portion spans the membrane. The scaffolding domain of caveolins interacts with various signaling molecules, facilitating their organization and function within caveolae.
