Cholesterol increases adhesion of monocytes to endothelium by moving adhesion molecules out of caveolae

Caveolae and its structural protein caveolin-1 (Cav-1) are abundant in vascular endothelial cells (ECs). We examined whether caveolae are involved in monocyte adhesion to ECs responding to a synergy of hypercholesterolemia and inflammation. Treating human umbilical vein ECs with cholesterol enhanced endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced monocyte adhesion. Use of isolated caveolae-enriched membranes revealed that cell adhesion molecules (CAMs), including intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1), co-localized with Cav-1 in caveolae. LPS upregulated CAMs expression and increased the co-localization. Cholesterol exposure decreased the level of CAMs in the caveolae. Co-immunoprecipitation and confocal microscopy revealed that ICAM-1 interacted with Cav-1. Electron microscopy showed that ICAM-1 was mainly located in caveolae. Cholesterol exposure decreased this interaction and drove ICAM-1 out of caveolae. Knockdown of Cav-1 reduced the synergistic effects of cholesterol and inflammation. In vivo, ICAM-1 and Cav-1 co-localization was lower in the aortic endothelium of ApoE^−/− mice than in that of wild-type controls. Cav-1 negatively regulates monocyte adhesion by the co-localization of CAMs in caveolae, which is disturbed by cholesterol. Thus, our study suggests a molecular basis underlying the synergistic effects of hypercholesterolemia and inflammation in atherogenesis.     

Low density lipoprotein induces eNOS translocation to membrane caveolae: the role of RhoA activation and stress fiber formation

A decrease in the bioavailability of endothelium-derived nitric oxide (NO) is linked to hypercholesterolemia. However, the mechanism by which low density lipoprotein (LDL) mediates endothelial NO synthase (eNOS) dysfunction remains controversial. We investigate the effect of LDL on eNOS regulation in human endothelial cells (ECs). In cultured ECs, a high level of LDL increased the abundance of eNOS and caveolin-1 (Cav-1) in the membrane caveolae and the association of eNOS with Cav-1. Furthermore, it decreased the basal level of NO and blocked NO production stimulated by the calcium ionophore A23187. LDL exposure also increased the formation of stress fibers and the membrane translocation of eNOS. These effects can be blocked by cytochalasin D, an actin cytoskeleton disruptor. In revealing the mechanism underlying the translocation of eNOS, we found that a high level of LDL increased the level of membrane-associated and GTP-formed RhoA and activated the RhoA downstream kinase ROCK-1 activity. Y-27632, a specific inhibitor of ROCK-1, blocked LDL-induced stress fiber formation, eNOS translocation and NO production. In conclusion, a high level of LDL increases the movement of eNOS to membrane caveolae via the increased stress fibers. The RhoA-mediated pathway may play a crucial role in this process in vascular ECs.     

Blockade of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 expression by caveolin-1

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is a major protein constituent of caveolae, a type of plasma membrane raft. We observed that coexpression of human Cav-1 with human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) blocked virion production from cells that are ordinarily highly permissive. Further investigation showed that this effect is specific, occurs at low ratios of Cav-1 to HIV-1 DNA, depends on expression of Cav-1 protein, and involves severely impaired expression of HIV-1 proteins. Cav-1 also blocked HIV-2 expression. In contrast, Cav-1 did not inhibit protein expression by a paramyxovirus and did not induce apoptosis or affect cellular morphology, cell viability, or cell cycle progression. Although only small amounts of HIV-1 virions were released from Cav-1-transfected cells, these were fully infectious. Deletion mutagenesis showed that the C-terminal 78 residues were as active as the full-length (178-amino-acid) protein in producing the block. In contrast, the 100 most N-terminal amino acids of Cav-1, which include the previously identified oligomerization and scaffolding domains, were shown to be dispensable. Study of single-amino-acid-exchange mutants of Cav-1 established that palmitoylation was not required. Additional deletion mutants then identified the hydrophobic, membrane-associated domain (residues 101 to 135) as the main determinant. Cellular distribution of wild-type and mutant proteins correlated with ability to block HIV-1 expression. Finally, Cav-2 also blocked HIV-1 expression. These data show that coexpression of caveolins can markedly inhibit expression of HIV proviral DNA and establish that the inhibition is mediated by the hydrophobic, membrane-associated domain.     

Role of NF-kappaB-dependent caveolin-1 expression in the mechanism of increased endothelial permeability induced by lipopolysaccharide

We investigated the role of NF-kappaB activation by the bacterial product lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in inducing caveolin-1 (Cav-1) expression and its consequence in contributing to the leakiness of the endothelial barrier. We observed that LPS challenge of human lung microvascular endothelial cells induced concentration- and time-dependent increases in expression of Cav-1 mRNA and protein. The NEMO (NF-kappaB essential modifier binding domain)-binding domain peptide (IkB kinase (IKK)-NEMO-binding domain (NBD) peptide), which prevents NF-kappaB activation by inhibiting the interaction of IKKgamma with the IKK complex, blocked LPS-induced Cav-1 mRNA and protein expression. Knockdown of NF-kappaB subunit p65/RelA expression with small interfering RNA also prevented LPS-induced Cav-1 expression. Caveolae open to the apical and basal plasmalemma of endothelial cells increased 2-4-fold within 4 h of LPS exposure. IKK-NBD peptide markedly reduced the LPS-induced increase in the number of caveolae as well as transendothelial albumin permeability. These observations were recapitulated in mouse studies in which IKK-NBD peptide prevented Cav-1 expression and interfered with the increase in lung microvessel permeability induced by LPS. Thus, LPS mediates NF-kappaB-dependent Cav-1 expression that results in increased caveolae number and thereby contributes to the mechanism of increased transendothelial albumin permeability.     

Role of caveolae in the pathogenesis of cholesterol-induced gallbladder muscle hypomotility

Muscle cells from human gallbladders (GB) with cholesterol stones (ChS) exhibit a defective contraction, excess cholesterol (Ch) in the plasma membrane, and lower binding of CCK-1 receptors. These abnormalities improved after muscle cells were incubated with Ch-free liposomes that remove the excess Ch from the plasma membrane. The present studies were designed to investigate the role of caveolin-3 proteins (Cav-3) in the pathogenesis of these abnormalities. Muscle cells from GB with ChS exhibit higher Ch levels in the plasma membrane that were mostly localized in caveolae and associated with parallel increases in the expression of Cav-3 in the caveolae compared with that in GB with pigment stones (PS). The overall number of CCK-1 receptors in the plasma membrane was not different between muscle cells from GB with ChS and PS, but they were increased in the caveolae in muscle cells from GB with ChS. Treatment of muscle cells from GB with ChS with a Galpha(i3) protein fragment increased the total binding of CCK-1 receptors (from 8.3 to 11.2%) and muscle contraction induced by CCK-8 (from 11.2 to 17.3% shortening). However, Galpha(q/11) protein fragment had no such effect. Moreover, neither fragment had any effect on muscle cells from GB with PS. We conclude that the defective contraction of muscle cells with excessive Ch levels in the plasma membrane is due to an increased expression of Cav-3 that results in the sequestration of CCK-1 receptors in the caveolae, probably by inhibiting the functions of Galpha(i3) proteins.     

Caveolin-1 interacts with alpha-synuclein and mediates toxic actions of cellular alpha-synuclein overexpression

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is a transmembrane protein which clusters proteins and lipids at the cell membrane into a subclass of lipid rafts named caveolae. To increase our understanding about putative functions of Cav-1 in neuronal cells, we used mouse brain extracts and a novel technology coupling surface plasmon resonance to mass spectrometry to find binding partners to Cav-1. An interaction between Cav-1 and alpha-synclein was found and confirmed in reciprocal pulldown experiments. Genetic overexpression of alpha-synclein in mouse neuroblastoma Neuro2A cells (N2A) expectedly decreased cell survival, but also significantly increased the levels of Cav-1. Furthermore, si-RNA-mediated knockdown of Cav-1 counteracted cell death induced by overexpression of alpha-synuclein. We also used an inhibitor of proteasome (MG132) to induce cell death in a Parkinson’s disease context. Cav-1 knockdown had no effect on cell death induced by MG132. Conversely, treating the cells with mevastatin, an inhibitor of cholesterol synthesis, inhibits cell death induced by MG132, but not by alpha synuclein overexpression. It can be concluded that Cav-1 may play a functional role in neuronal cells by virtue of its physical interaction with alpha-synuclein and regulate alpha synuclein-mediated actions on cell death, processes known to be involved in synucleinopathies including Parkinson’s disease.     

Involvement of cell surface ATP synthase in flow-induced ATP release by vascular endothelial cells

Endothelial cells (ECs) release ATP in response to shear stress, a mechanical force generated by blood flow, and the ATP released modulates EC functions through activation of purinoceptors. The molecular mechanism of the shear stress-induced ATP release, however, has not been fully elucidated. In this study, we have demonstrated that cell surface ATP synthase is involved in shear stress-induced ATP release. Immunofluorescence staining of human pulmonary arterial ECs (HPAECs) showed that cell surface ATP synthase is distributed in lipid rafts and co-localized with caveolin-1, a marker protein of caveolae. Immunoprecipitation indicated that cell surface ATP synthase and caveolin-1 are physically associated. Measurement of the extracellular metabolism of [(3)H]ADP confirmed that cell surface ATP synthase is active in ATP generation. When exposed to shear stress, HPAECs released ATP in a dose-dependent manner, and the ATP release was markedly suppressed by the membrane-impermeable ATP synthase inhibitors angiostatin and piceatannol and by an anti-ATP synthase antibody. Depletion of plasma membrane cholesterol with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD) disrupted lipid rafts and abolished co-localization of ATP synthase with caveolin-1, which resulted in a marked reduction in shear stress-induced ATP release. Pretreatment of the cells with cholesterol prevented these effects of MbetaCD. Downregulation of caveolin-1 expression by transfection of caveolin-1 siRNA also markedly suppressed ATP-releasing responses to shear stress. Neither MbetaCD, MbetaCD plus cholesterol, nor caveolin-1 siRNA had any effect on the amount of cell surface ATP synthase. These results suggest that the localization and targeting of ATP synthase to caveolae/lipid rafts is critical for shear stress-induced ATP release by HPAECs.     

Hypoxia-induced modifications in plasma membranes and lipid microdomains in A549 cells and primary human alveolar cells

We evaluated the response to mild hypoxia exposure of A549 alveolar human cells and of a continuous alveolar cell line from human excised lungs (A30) exposed to 5% O(2) for 5 and 24 h. No signs of increased peroxidation and of early apoptosis were detected. After 24 h of hypoxia total cell proteins/DNA ratio decreased significantly by about 20%. Similarly, we found a decrease in membrane phospholipid and cholesterol content. The membrane fluidity assessed by fluorescence anisotropy measurements was unchanged. We also prepared the detergent resistant membrane fraction (DRM) to analyze the distribution of the two types of lipid microdomains, caveolae and lipid rafts. The DRM content of Cav-1, marker of caveolae, was decreased, while CD55, marker of lipid rafts, increased in both cell lines. Total content of these markers in the membranes was unchanged indicating remodelling of their distribution between detergent-resistant and detergent-soluble fraction of the cellular membrane. The changes in protein markers distribution did not imply changes in the corresponding mRNA, except in the case of Cav-1 for A30 line. In the latter case we found a parallel decrease in Cav-1 and in the corresponding mRNA. We conclude that an exposure to a mild degree of hypoxia triggers a significant remodelling of the lipid microdomains expression, confirming that they are highly dynamic structures providing a prompt signalling platform to changes of the pericellular microenvironment.     

Redistribution of the tight junction protein ZO-1 during physiological shedding of mouse intestinal epithelial cells

A novel vasodilatory influence of endothelial cell (EC) large-conductance Ca(2+)-activated K(+) (BK(Ca)) channels is present following in vivo exposure to chronic hypoxia (CH) and may exist in other pathological states. However, the mechanism of channel activation that results in altered vasoreactivity is unknown. We tested the hypothesis that CH removes an inhibitory effect of the scaffolding domain of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) on EC BK(Ca) channels to permit activation, thereby affecting vasoreactivity. Experiments were performed on gracilis resistance arteries and ECs from control and CH-exposed (380 mmHg barometric pressure for 48 h) rats. EC membrane potential was hyperpolarized in arteries from CH-exposed rats and arteries treated with the cholesterol-depleting agent methyl-β-cyclodextrin (MBCD) compared with controls. Hyperpolarization was reversed by the BK(Ca) channel antagonist iberiotoxin (IBTX) or by a scaffolding domain peptide of Cav-1 (AP-CAV). Patch-clamp experiments documented an IBTX-sensitive current in ECs from CH-exposed rats and in MBCD-treated cells that was not present in controls. This current was enhanced by the BK(Ca) channel activator NS-1619 and blocked by AP-CAV or cholesterol supplementation. EC BK(Ca) channels displayed similar unitary conductance but greater Ca(2+) sensitivity than BK(Ca) channels from vascular smooth muscle. Immunofluorescence imaging demonstrated greater association of BK(Ca) α-subunits with Cav-1 in control arteries than in arteries from CH-exposed rats, although fluorescence intensity for each protein did not differ between groups. Finally, AP-CAV restored myogenic and phenylephrine-induced constriction in arteries from CH-exposed rats without affecting controls. AP-CAV similarly restored diminished reactivity to phenylephrine in control arteries pretreated with MBCD. We conclude that CH unmasks EC BK(Ca) channel activity by removing an inhibitory action of the Cav-1 scaffolding domain that may depend on cellular cholesterol levels.     

Caveolin-2 is a negative regulator of anti-proliferative function and signaling of transforming growth factor-β in endothelial cells

Using a combination of wild-type (WT) and caveolin-2 (Cav-2) knockout along with retroviral reexpression approaches, we provide the evidence for the negative role of Cav-2 in regulating anti-proliferative function and signaling of transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) in endothelial cells (ECs). Although, TGF-β had a modest inhibitory effect on WT ECs, it profoundly inhibited proliferation of Cav-2 knockout ECs. To confirm the specificity of the observed difference in response to TGF-β, we have stably reexpressed Cav-2 in Cav-2 knockout ECs using a retroviral approach. Similar to WT ECs, the anti-proliferative effect of TGF-β was dramatically reduced in the Cav-2 reexpressing ECs. The reduced anti-proliferative effect of TGF-β in Cav-2-positive cells was evidenced by three independent proliferation assays: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), cell count, and bromodeoxyuridine incorporation and correlated with a loss of TGF-β-mediated upregulation of cell cycle inhibitor p27 and subsequent reduction of the levels of hyperphosphorylated (inactive) form of the retinoblastoma protein in Cav-2 reexpressing ECs. Mechanistically, Cav-2 inhibits anti-proliferative action of TGF-β by suppressing Alk5-Smad2/3 pathway manifested by reduced magnitude and length of TGF-β-induced Smad2/3 phosphorylation as well as activation of activin receptor-like kinase-5 (Alk5)-Smad2/3 target genes plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 and collagen type I in Cav-2-positive ECs. Expression of Cav-2 does not appear to significantly change targeting of TGF-β receptors I and Smad2/3 to caveolar and lipid raft microdomains as determined by sucrose fractionation gradient. Overall, the negative regulation of TGF-β signaling and function by Cav-2 is independent of Cav-1 expression levels and is not because of changing targeting of Cav-1 protein to plasma membrane lipid raft/caveolar domains.     

Caveolin-1 binding to endoplasmic reticulum membranes and entry into the regulated secretory pathway are regulated by serine phosphorylation. Protein sorting at the level of the endoplasmic reticulum

Caveolin-1 serves as the main coat protein of caveolae membranes, as an intracellular cholesterol shuttle, and as a regulator of diverse signaling molecules. Of the 12 residues conserved across all caveolin isoforms from all species examined to date, only Ser(80) and Ser(168) could serve as phosphorylation sites. We show here that mimicking chronic phosphorylation of Ser(80) by mutation to Glu (i.e. Cav-1(S80E)), blocks phosphate incorporation. However, Cav-1(S168E) is phosphorylated to the same extent as wild-type caveolin-1. Cav-1(S80E) targets to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, remains oligomeric, and maintains normal membrane topology. In contrast, Cav-1(S80A), which cannot be phosphorylated, targets to caveolae membranes. Some exocrine cells secrete caveolin-1 in a regulated manner. Cav-1(S80A) is not secreted by AR42J pancreatic adenocarcinoma cells even in the presence of dexamethasone, an agent that induces the secretory phenotype. Conversely, Cav-1(S80E) is secreted to a greater extent than wild-type caveolin-1 following dexamethasone treatment. We conclude that caveolin-1 phosphorylation on invariant serine residue 80 is required for endoplasmic reticulum retention and entry into the regulated secretory pathway.     

NK receptors, Substance P, Ano1 expression and ultrastructural features of the muscle coat in Cav-1(-/-) mouse ileum

Caveolin (Cav)-1 is an integral membrane protein of caveolae playing a crucial role in various signal transduction pathways. Caveolae represent the sites for calcium entry and storage especially in smooth muscle cells (SMC) and interstitial cells of Cajal (ICC). Cav-1(-/-) mice lack caveolae and show abnormalities in pacing and contractile activity of the small intestine. Presently, we investigated, by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and immunohistochemistry, whether the absence of Cav-1 in Cav-1(-/-) mouse small intestine affects ICC, SMC and neuronal morphology, the expression of NK1 and NK2 receptors, and of Ano1 (also called Dog1 or TMEM16A), an essential molecule for slow wave activity in gastrointestinal muscles. ICC were also labelled with c-Kit and tachykinergic neurons with Substance P (SP). In Cav-1(-/-) mice: (i) ICC were Ano1-negative but maintained c-Kit expression, (ii) NK1 and NK2 receptor immunoreactivity was more intense and, in the SMC, mainly intracytoplasmatic, (iii) SP-immunoreactivity was significantly reduced. Under TEM: (i) ICC, SMC and telocytes lacked typical caveolae but had few and large flask-shaped vesicles we called large-sized caveolae; (ii) SMC and ICC contained an extraordinary high number of mitochondria, (iii) neurons were unchanged. To maintain intestinal motility, loss of caveolae and reduced calcium availability in Cav-1-knockout mice seem to be balanced by a highly increased number of mitochondria in ICC and SMC. Loss of Ano-1 expression, decrease of SP content and consequently overexpression of NK receptors suggest that all these molecules are Cav-1-associated proteins.     

Elevated Level of Fibrinogen Increases Caveolae Formation; Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-9

The role of the inflammatory agent fibrinogen (Fg) in increased pial venular permeability has been shown previously. It was suggested that an activation of matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) is involved in Fg-induced enhanced transcytosis through endothelial cells (ECs). However, direct link between Fg, caveolae formation, and MMP-9 activity has never been shown. We hypothesized that at an elevated level, Fg enhances formation of functional caveolae through activation of MMP-9. Male wild-type (WT, C57BL/6J) or MMP-9 gene knockout (MMP9?/?) mice were infused with Fg (4 mg/ml, final blood concentration) or equal volume of phosphate buffered saline (PBS). After 2 h, mice were sacrificed and brains were collected for immunohistochemical analyses. Mouse brain ECs were treated with 4 mg/ml of Fg or PBS in the presence or absence of MMP-9 activity inhibitor, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-4 (TIMP-4, 12 ng/ml). Formation of functional caveolae was assessed by confocal microscopy. Fg-induced increased formation of caveolae, which was defined by an increased co-localization of caveolin-1 (Cav-1) and plasmalemmal vesicle-associated protein-1 and was associated with an increased phosphorylation of Cav-1, was ameliorated in the presence of TIMP-4. These results suggest that at high levels, Fg enhances formation of functional caveolae that may involve Cav-1 signaling and MMP-9 activation.     

Effect of caveolin-1 scaffolding peptide and 17beta-estradiol on intracellular Ca2+ kinetics evoked by angiotensin II in human vascular smooth muscle cells

Caveolae are identifiable plasma membrane invaginations. The main structural proteins of caveolae are the caveolins. There are three caveolins expressed in mammals, designated Cav-1, Cav-2, and Cav-3. It has been postulated that Cav-1 acts as a scaffold protein for signaling proteins; these include ion channels, enzymes, and other ligand receptors like membrane-associated estrogen receptor (ER)alpha or ERbeta. Caveolae-associated membrane proteins are involved in regulating some of the rapid estrogenic effects of 17beta-estradiol. One important system related to the activity of ERalpha and caveolae is the renin-angiotensin system. Angiotensin II (ANG II) has numerous actions in vascular smooth muscle, including modulation of vasomotor tone, cell growth, apoptosis, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt activation, and others. Many proteins associated with caveolae are in close relation with the scaffolding domain of Cav-1 (82-101 amino acid residues). It has been proposed that this peptide may acts as a kinase inhibitor. Therefore, to explore the ability of Cav-1 scaffolding peptide (CSP-1) to regulate ANG II function and analyze the relationship between ERalpha and ANG II type 1 and 2 (AT(1) and AT(2)) receptors, we decided to study the effects of CSP-1 on ANG II-induced intracellular Ca(2+) kinetics and the effect of 17beta-estradiol on this modulation using human smooth muscle cells in culture, intracellular Ca(2+) concentration measurements, immuno- and double-immunocytochemistry confocal analysis of receptor expression, immunoblot analysis, and immunocoprecipitation assays to demonstrate coexpression. We hypothesized that CSP-1 inhibits ANG II-mediated increases in intracellular Ca(2+) concentrations by interfering with intracellular signaling including the PI3K/Akt pathway. We also hypothesize that AT(2) receptors associate with Cav-1. Our results show that there is a close association of AT(1), AT(2), and ERalpha with Cav-1 in human arterial smooth muscle cells in culture. CSP-1 inhibits ANG II-induced intracellular signaling.     

Smooth muscle NOS, colocalized with caveolin-1, modulates contraction in mouse small intestine

Neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) in myenteric neurons is activated during peristalsis to produce nitric oxide which relaxes intestinal smooth muscle. A putative nNOS is also found in the membrane of intestinal smooth muscle cells in mouse and dog. In this study we studied the possible functions of this nNOS expressed in mouse small intestinal smooth muscle colocalized with caveolin-1(Cav-1). Cav-1 knockout mice lacked nNOS in smooth muscle and provided control tissues. 60 mM KCl was used to increase intracellular [Ca(2+)] through L-type Ca(2+) channel opening and stimulate smooth muscle NOS activity in intestinal tissue segments. An additional contractile response to LNNA (100 muM, NOS inhibitor) was observed in KCl-contracted tissues from control mice and was almost absent in tissues from Cav-1 knockout mice. Disruption of caveolae with 40 mM methyl-beta cyclodextrin in tissues from control mice led to the loss of Cav-1 and nNOS immunoreactivity from smooth muscle as shown by immunohistochemistry and a reduction in the response of these tissues to N-omega-nitro-L-arginine (LNNA). Reconstitution of membrane cholesterol using water soluble cholesterol in the depleted segments restored the immunoreactivity and the response to LNNA added after KCl. Nicardipine (1 muM) blocked the responses to KCl and LNNA confirming the role of L-type Ca(2+) channels. ODQ (1 muM, soluble guanylate cyclase inhibitor) had the same effect as inhibition of NOS following KCl. We conclude that the activation of nNOS, localized in smooth muscle caveolae, by calcium entering through L-type calcium channels triggers nitric oxide production which modulates muscle contraction by a cGMP-dependent mechanism.     

Protection of adult rat cardiac myocytes from ischemic cell death: role of caveolar microdomains and delta-opioid receptors

The role of caveolae, membrane microenvironments enriched in signaling molecules, in myocardial ischemia is poorly defined. In the current study, we used cardiac myocytes prepared from adult rats to test the hypothesis that opioid receptors (OR), which are capable of producing cardiac protection in vivo, promote cardiac protection in cardiac myocytes in a caveolae-dependent manner. We determined protein expression and localization of delta-OR (DOR) using coimmunohistochemistry, caveolar fractionation, and immunoprecipitations. DOR colocalized in fractions with caveolin-3 (Cav-3), a structural component of caveolae in muscle cells, and could be immunoprecipitated by a Cav-3 antibody. Immunohistochemistry confirmed plasma membrane colocalization of DOR with Cav-3. Cardiac myocytes were subjected to simulated ischemia (2 h) or an ischemic preconditioning (IPC) protocol (10 min ischemia, 30 min recovery, 2 h ischemia) in the presence and absence of methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD, 2 mM), which binds cholesterol and disrupts caveolae. We also assessed the cardiac protective effects of SNC-121 (SNC), a selective DOR agonist, on cardiac myocytes with or without MbetaCD and MbetaCD preloaded with cholesterol. Ischemia, simulated by mineral oil layering to inhibit gas exchange, promoted cardiac myocyte cell death (trypan blue staining), a response blunted by SNC (37 +/- 3 vs. 59 +/- 3% dead cells in the presence and absence of 1 muM SNC, respectively, P < 0.01) or by use of the IPC protocol (35 +/- 4 vs. 62 +/- 3% dead cells, P < 0.01). MbetaCD treatment, which disrupted caveolae (as detected by electron microscopy), fully attenuated the protective effects of IPC or SNC, resulting in cell death comparable to that of the ischemic group. By contrast, SNC-induced protection was not abrogated in cells incubated with cholesterol-saturated MbetaCD, which maintained caveolae structure and function. These findings suggest a key role for caveolae, perhaps through enrichment of signaling molecules, in contributing to protection of cardiac myocytes from ischemic damage.     

肿瘤细胞的自噬和窖蛋白-1

自噬作用是一种细胞通过溶酶体自我降解的过程,在肿瘤的形成和发展中起着双重作用。窖蛋白-1(Caveolin-1,Cav-1)作为胞膜窖的标志蛋白,介导许多生理和病理过程,包括胞膜窖的形成、膜泡运输、维持细胞胆固醇稳态、信号转导和肿瘤的发生。近年来,许多研究表明肿瘤细胞自噬和Cav-1存在一定关系。文中就近年来肿瘤细胞的自噬与Cav-1的关系及其在肿瘤发生和发展过程中的作用进行综述。     

Structural insights into the function of human caveolin 1

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is emerging as the central protein controlling caveolae formation, caveolae trafficking, and cellular signalling. In particular, it is known that Cav-1 interacts and modulates the activity of several signalling proteins through the so-called caveolin scaffolding domain. In this paper, we used a bioinformatics approach to assess the validity of some long-standing structural features of Cav-1. We could confirm the existence of a membrane spanning region of Cav-1 and highlight an interesting pattern of palmitoylated cysteine residues explaining the structural features of the Cav-1 C-terminal region. Moreover, the scaffolding domain is predicted to have a different structure than previously reported.     

Impaired Phagocytosis in Caveolin-1 Deficient Macrophages

Caveolae are plasma membrane invaginations that function as important regulators of numerous cellular processes, including signal transduction, cholesterol trafficking, and endocytosis. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) constitutes the main structural protein of caveolae membrane. Here, we report an in vivo increase in the number of apoptotic cells in the thymus and spleen of Cav-1 deficient mice, following whole-body &gamma;-irradiation. We demonstrate that this increase in apoptotic cells is not due to increased apoptosis in lymphocytes per se, which normally do not express Cav-1, but rather to the decreased phagocytic clearance of apoptotic cells by macrophages, which do express Cav-1. Utilizing in vitro phagocytosis assays of both apoptotic thymocytes and Escherichia coli K-12 BioParticles, we demonstrate that the loss of Cav-1 decreases the phagocytic ability of thioglycollate-elicited peritoneal macrophages. We suggest that impaired macrophage phagocytosis in Cav-1 knockout mice could have implications for altered innate immunity against pathogens, the regulation of inflammatory responses, and the development of autoimmune disease.