Caveolae are cholesterol-rich plasma membrane invaginations that are found in a plethora
of cell types. They play many roles including signal transduction, endocytosis, and
mechanoprotection. The most critical protein in caveolae is the integral membrane protein,
caveolin, which has been shown to be necessary for caveolae formation, and governs the
major functions attributed to caveolae. Caveolin is postulated to act as a scaffold in the high
molecular weight striated coat that surrounds the caveolar bulb, stabilizing it. Caveolin …