Caveolin-1 in Müller Glia Exists as Heat-Resistant, High Molecular Weight Complexes.

Caveolin-1 (Cav1), the core structural and scaffolding protein of caveolae membrane domains, is highly expressed in many retinal cells and is associated with ocular diseases. Cav1 regulates innate immune responses and is implicated in neuroinflammatory and neuroprotective signaling in the retina. We have shown that Cav1 expression in Müller glia accounts for over 70% of all retinal Cav1 expression.

Caveolar and non-Caveolar Caveolin-1 in ocular homeostasis and disease.

Caveolae, specialized plasma membrane invaginations present in most cell types, play important roles in multiple cellular processes including cell signaling, lipid uptake and metabolism, endocytosis and mechanotransduction. They are found in almost all cell types but most abundant in endothelial cells, adipocytes and fibroblasts. Caveolin-1 (Cav1), the signature structural protein of caveolae was the first protein associated with caveolae, and in association with Cavin1/PTRF is required for caveolae formation.