Caveolin-1 (CAV1) is a scaffolding protein found within caveolar membranes. It plays a crucial role in various cellular processes, including signal transduction, lipid metabolism, and endocytosis. Caveolin-1 is ubiquitously expressed in many cell types and tissues, making it a significant protein for research in cell biology and pathology.
Caveolin-1 is a 22-24 kDa protein that forms a hairpin-like structure within the plasma membrane. It is involved in the formation of caveolae, which are small invaginations on the cell surface. These structures are essential for various cellular functions, including:
Mutations in the CAV1 gene can lead to several diseases, including:
Mouse anti-human Caveolin-1 antibodies are widely used in research to study the expression and function of Caveolin-1 in human tissues. These antibodies are typically monoclonal, meaning they are derived from a single clone of cells and recognize a specific epitope on the Caveolin-1 protein. They are used in various applications, including:
Caveolin-1 antibodies are valuable tools in research areas such as cancer, cardiovascular diseases, and metabolic disorders. For instance, Caveolin-1 has been studied as a biomarker for radiation resistance and tumor progression in lung cancer . Additionally, Caveolin-1 knockout mice have been used to investigate the protein’s role in pulmonary hypertension and obesity .