Genetic evidence supporting caveolae microdomain regulation of calcium entry in endothelial cells

Endothelial [Ca2+]i and caveolin-1 antagonistically regulate eNOS activity and microvessel permeability in rat venules

AIMS

In this study, we investigated the mechanisms by which caveolin-1 (CAV) inhibits increases in permeability induced by platelet activating factor (PAF) and elucidated the relationship between the endothelial intracellular Ca(2+) concentration ([Ca(2+)](i)) and CAV in regulating endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) activity and microvessel permeability in intact microvessels.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Experiments were conducted in individually perfused mesenteric venules in Sprague-Dawley rats. Permeability was determined by measuring hydraulic conductivity (Lp). Endothelial [Ca(2+)](i) and nitric oxide (NO) production were measured in fura-2- and DAF-2-loaded microvessels. Perfusion of the CAV scaffolding domain, AP-CAV, at 1 microM for 30 min did not affect PAF-induced increases in endothelial [Ca(2+)](i) but significantly attenuated PAF-induced NO production from 143 +/- 2 to 110 +/- 3% of control fluorescence intensity (FI). The PAF-induced Lp increase was correlatively reduced from a mean peak value of 7.5 +/- 0.9 to 1.9 +/- 0.5 times that of the control. Increasing extracellular [Ca(2+)] that potentiated PAF-induced peak [Ca(2+)](i) from 500 to 1225 nM augmented NO production to 193 +/- 13% and further increased Lp to 17.3 +/- 1.6 times the control value. More importantly, enhanced Ca(2+) influx restored the reduced NO production and Lp by AP-CAV with NO FI at 149% and Lp at 7.7 +/- 1.1 times the control value.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that eNOS inhibition and reduced NO production contribute to the inhibitory action of AP-CAV on PAF-induced increases in permeability. CAV and endothelial [Ca(2+)](i) antagonistically regulate eNOS activity in intact microvessels, and the level of produced NO is the key determinant of the degree of permeability increases during inflammation.

Cholesterol and ion channels

A variety of ion channels, including members of all major ion channel families, have been shown to be regulated by changes in the level of membrane cholesterol and partition into cholesterol-rich membrane domains. In general, several types of cholesterol effects have been described. The most common effect is suppression of channel activity by an increase in membrane cholesterol, an effect that was described for several types of inwardly-rectifying K(+) channels, voltage-gated K(+) channels, Ca(+2) sensitive K(+) channels, voltage-gated Na(+) channels, N-type voltage-gated Ca(+2) channels and volume-regulated anion channels. In contrast, several types of ion channels, such as epithelial amiloride-sensitive Na(+) channels and Transient Receptor Potential channels, as well as some of the types of inwardly-rectifying and voltage-gated K(+) channels were shown to be inhibited by cholesterol depletion. Cholesterol was also shown to alter the kinetic properties and current-voltage dependence of several voltage-gated channels. Finally, maintaining membrane cholesterol level is required for coupling ion channels to signalling cascades. In terms of the mechanisms, three general mechanisms have been proposed: (i) specific interactions between cholesterol and the channel protein, (ii) changes in the physical properties of the membrane bilayer and (iii) maintaining the scaffolds for protein-protein interactions. The goal of this review is to describe systematically the role of cholesterol in regulation of the major types of ion channels and to discuss these effects in the context of the models proposed.

Agonist-induced internalization of mGluR1alpha is mediated by caveolin

Agonist-induced internalization of metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs) plays an important role in neuronal signaling. Although internalization of mGluRs has been reported to be mediated by clathrin-dependent pathway, studies describing clathrin-independent pathways are emerging. Here, we report that agonist-induced internalization of mGluR1alpha is mediated by caveolin. We show that two caveolin-binding motifs of mGluR1alpha interact with caveolin1/2. Using cell surface-immunoprecipitation and total internal reflection fluorescence imaging, we found that agonist-induced internalization of mGluR1alpha is regulated by caveolin-binding motifs of the receptor in heterologous cells. Moreover, in the cerebellum, group I mGluR agonist dihydroxyphenylglycol increased the interaction of phosphorylated caveolin with mGluR1alpha. This interaction was blocked by methyl-beta-cyclodextrin, known to disrupt caveolin/caveolae-dependent signaling by cholesterol depletion. Methyl-beta-cyclodextrin also blocked the agonist-induced internalization of mGluR1alpha. Thus, these findings represent the evidence for agonist-induced internalization of mGluR1alpha via caveolin and suggest that caveolin might play a role in synaptic metaplasticity by regulating internalization of mGluR1alpha in the cerebellum.

Reversal of P-glycoprotein-mediated multi-drug resistance by the E3 ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b in human gastric adenocarcinoma cells

P-glycoprotein (P-gp)-mediated multi-drug resistance (MDR) is a major barrier to the effective chemotherapy of many cancers. Recent studies have shown that inhibition of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway can reverse P-gp-mediated MDR. We investigated the expression of activated Akt (p-Akt) in 124 human gastric carcinoma tissue samples. Ubiquitous p-Akt expression was recorded in the majority (88/124). There was a significant correlation between p-Akt expression and the expression of P-gp. In the adriamycin-resistant MDR gastric carcinoma cell line SGC7901/ADR, p-Akt expression was increased in comparison with the parental cell line SGC7901. Treatment of SGC7901/ADR cells with the PI3K inhibitor LY294002 reduced the expression of both p-Akt and P-gp. To explore the role of ubiquitin ligase Cbl-b in this regulatory pathway, SGC7901/ADR cells were transfected with a plasmid overexpressing wild-type Cbl-b. This down-regulated the expression of both p-Akt and P-gp. Furthermore, resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs was partially reversed. These results demonstrate an important role for Cbl-b in reversing P-gp-mediated gastric cancer MDR through suppression of the PI3K/Akt signalling pathway and the down-regulation of P-gp expression.

Regulation of transient receptor potential canonical channel 1 (TRPC1) by sphingosine 1-phosphate in C2C12 myoblasts and its relevance for a role of mechanotransduction in skeletal muscle differentiation

Transient receptor potential canonical (TRPC) channels provide cation and Ca2+ entry pathways, which have important regulatory roles in many physio-pathological processes, including muscle dystrophy. However, the mechanisms of activation of these channels remain poorly understood. Using siRNA, we provide the first experimental evidence that TRPC channel 1 (TRPC1), besides acting as a store-operated channel, represents an essential component of stretch-activated channels in C2C12 skeletal myoblasts, as assayed by whole-cell patch-clamp and atomic force microscopic pulling. The channel's activity and stretch-induced Ca2+ influx were modulated by sphingosine 1-phosphate (S1P), a bioactive lipid involved in satellite cell biology and tissue regeneration. We also found that TRPC1 was functionally assembled in lipid rafts, as shown by the fact that cholesterol depletion resulted in the reduction of transmembrane ion current and conductance. Association between TRPC1 and lipid rafts was increased by formation of stress fibres, which was elicited by S1P and abolished by treatment with the actin-disrupting dihydrocytochalasin B, suggesting a role for cytoskeleton in TRPC1 membrane recruitment. Moreover, TRPC1 expression was significantly upregulated during myogenesis, especially in the presence of S1P, implicating a crucial role for TRPC1 in myoblast differentiation. Collectively, these findings may offer new tools for understanding the role of TRPC1 and sphingolipid signalling in skeletal muscle regeneration and provide new therapeutic approaches for skeletal muscle disorders.

Lipid rafts/caveolae as microdomains of calcium signaling

Ca(2+) is a major signaling molecule in both excitable and non-excitable cells, where it serves critical functions ranging from cell growth to differentiation to cell death. The physiological functions of these cells are tightly regulated in response to changes in cytosolic Ca(2+) that is achieved by the activation of several plasma membrane (PM) Ca(2+) channels as well as release of Ca(2+) from the internal stores. One such channel is referred to as store-operated Ca(2+) channel that is activated by the release of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) which initiates store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE). Recent advances in the field suggest that some members of TRPCs and Orai channels function as SOCE channels. However, the molecular mechanisms that regulate channel activity and the exact nature of where these channels are assembled and regulated remain elusive. Research from several laboratories has demonstrated that key proteins involved in Ca(2+) signaling are localized in discrete PM lipid rafts/caveolar microdomains. Lipid rafts are cholesterol and sphingolipid-enriched microdomains that function as unique signal transduction platforms. In addition lipid rafts are dynamic in nature which tends to scaffold certain signaling molecules while excluding others. By such spatial segregation, lipid rafts not only provide a favorable environment for intra-molecular cross-talk but also aid to expedite the signal relay. Importantly, Ca(2+) signaling is shown to initiate from these lipid raft microdomains. Clustering of Ca(2+) channels and their regulators in such microdomains can provide an exquisite spatiotemporal regulation of Ca(2+)-mediated cellular function. Thus in this review we discuss PM lipid rafts and caveolae as Ca(2+)-signaling microdomains and highlight their importance in organizing and regulating SOCE channels.

Isolation of murine lung endothelial cells

Several protocols for the isolation of endothelial cells (ECs) from murine lung have been described in the literature. We, however, encountered a number of problems while using these procedures that prevented us from consistently or reliably obtaining pure populations of ECs from the lungs of mice. By incorporating specific elements from previously published protocols, as well as adding some novel features, we developed a new strategy for isolating ECs from murine lung. In this approach, a suspension of lung cells is initially prepared from the lungs of 7- to 14-day-old mouse pups using procedures that prevent intravascular clotting and leukocyte activation, minimize mechanical trauma to the lung tissue, and limit exposure to the digesting enzymes. The resulting cell suspension is cultured for 2-3 days, trypsinized to produce a suspension of single cells, and then subjected to fluorescence-activated cell sorting using an anti-ICAM-2 antibody. The sorted cells are then plated and split 1:2 at each passage to maintain a high density of the cells. Using this approach, we have been able to isolate pure populations of ECs that were sustainable for extended periods in culture without the emergence of fibroblast overgrowth or the development of senescence. We believe the success of this approach will provide opportunities to take advantage of the large and growing number of knockout and transgenic mouse lines to investigate the endothelial-specific roles of targeted molecules in the pulmonary vasculature.

Microfilament and microtubule assembly is required for the propagation of inositol trisphosphate receptor-induced Ca2+ waves in bovine aortic endothelial cells

Ca2+ is a highly versatile second messenger that plays a key role in the regulation of numerous cell processes. One-way cells ensure the specificity and reliability of Ca2+ signals is by organizing them spatially in the form of waves that propagate throughout the cell or within a specific subcellular region. In non-excitable cells, the inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor (IP3R) is responsible for the release of Ca2+ from the endoplasmic reticulum. The spatial aspect of the Ca2+ signal depends on the organization of various elements of the Ca2+ signaling toolkit and varies from tissue to tissue. Ca2+ is implicated in many of endothelium functions that thus depend on the versatility of Ca2+ signaling. In the present study, we showed that the disruption of caveolae microdomains in bovine aortic endothelial cells (BAEC) with methyl-beta-cyclodextrin was not sufficient to disorganize the propagation of Ca2+ waves when the cells were stimulated with ATP or bradykinin. However, disorganizing microfilaments with latrunculin B and microtubules with colchicine both prevented the formation of Ca2+ waves. These results suggest that the organization of the Ca2+ waves mediated by IP3R channels does not depend on the integrity of caveolae in BAEC, but that microtubule and microfilament cytoskeleton assembly is crucial.

Compartmentalized signalling: Ca2+ compartments, microdomains and the many facets of Ca2+ signalling

Ca(2+) regulates a multitude of cellular processes and does so by partitioning its actions in space and time. In this review, we discuss how Ca(2+) responses are constructed from small quantal (elementary) events that have the potential to propagate to produce large pan-cellular responses. We review how Ca(2+) is compartmentalized both physically and functionally, and describe how each organelle has its own distinct Ca(2+)-handling properties. We explain how coordination of the movement of Ca(2+) between organelles is used to shape and hone Ca(2+) signals. Finally, we provide a number of specific examples of where compartmentation and localization of Ca(2+) are crucial to cell function.

Endothelial caveolin-1 regulates pathologic angiogenesis in a mouse model of colitis

BACKGROUND & AIMS

Increased vascular density has been associated with progression of human inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and animal models of colitis. Pathologic angiogenesis in chronically inflamed tissues is mediated by several factors that are regulated at specialized lipid rafts known as caveolae. Caveolin-1 (Cav-1), the major structural protein of caveolae in endothelial cells, is involved in the regulation of angiogenesis, so we investigated its role in experimental colitis.

METHODS

Colitis was induced by administration of dextran sodium sulfate to wild-type and Cav-1(-/-) mice, as well as Cav-1(-/-) mice that overexpress Cav-1 only in the endothelium. Colon tissues were analyzed by histologic analyses. Leukocyte recruitment was analyzed by intravital microscopy; angiogenesis was evaluated by immunohistochemistry and in vivo disk assays.

RESULTS

Cav-1 protein levels increased after the induction of colitis in wild-type mice. In Cav-1(-/-) mice or mice given a Cav-1 inhibitory peptide, the colitis histopathology scores, vascular densities, and levels of inflammatory infiltrates decreased significantly compared with controls. Lower levels of leukocyte and platelet rolling and adhesion colitis also were observed in Cav-1(-/-) mice and mice given a Cav-1 inhibitory peptide, compared with controls. Cav-1(-/-) mice that received transplants of wild-type bone marrow had a lower colitis score than wild-type mice. Data from mice that overexpress Cav-1 only in the endothelium indicated that endothelial Cav-1 is the critical regulator of colitis. Genetic deletion or pharmacologic inhibition of endothelial Cav-1 also significantly decreased vascular densities and angiogenesis scores, compared with controls.

CONCLUSIONS

Endothelial Cav-1 mediates angiogenesis in experimental colitis. Modulation of Cav-1 could provide a novel therapeutic target for IBD.

Myocardial interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLC) in caveolin-1 KO mice

Abstract We compared, by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), the ultrastructure of interstitial Cajal-like cells (ICLC) in normal mammalian myocardium versus caveolin-1 null mice. TEM showed that myocardial ICLCs of caveolin-1-deficient mice retain their main ultrastructural characteristics, for example, location among cardiomyocytes, close vicinity to nerves and/or blood capillaries, specialized cell-to-cell junctions, presence of 2-3 typical processes, which are very long (several tens of micrometres), but are very thin (0.1-0.2 microm) and moniliform. However, the most striking modification of myocardial ICLC in caveolin-1 KO mice was the absence of caveolae. Beyond this main observation, three other findings could be reported: (1) the absence of caveolae in capillary endothelium, (2) persistence of (some) caveolae at the level of cardiomyocte sarcolemma or vascular smooth muscle cell sarcolemma and (3) (un)expected ultrastructural modifications such as increased thickness of capillary basement membrane and increased autophagy of several cardiomyocytes.

Caveolin-1 scaffold domain interacts with TRPC1 and IP3R3 to regulate Ca2+ store release-induced Ca2+ entry in endothelial cells

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) regulates agonist-induced Ca(2+) entry in endothelial cells; however, how Cav-1 regulates this process is poorly understood. Here, we describe that Cav-1 scaffold domain (NH(2)-terminal residues 82-101; CSD) interacts with transient receptor potential canonical channel 1 (TRPC1) and inositol 1,4,5-trisphosphate receptor 3 (IP(3)R3) to regulate Ca(2+) entry. We have shown previously that the TRPC1 COOH-terminal residues 781-789 bind to CSD. In the present study, we show that the TRPC1 COOH-terminal residues 781-789 truncated (TRPC1-CDelta781-789) mutant expression abolished Ca(2+) store release-induced Ca(2+) influx in human dermal microvascular endothelial cell line (HMEC) and human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cells. To understand the basis of loss of Ca(2+) influx, we determined TRPC1 binding to IP(3)R3. We observed that the wild-type (WT)-TRPC1 but not TRPC1-CDelta781-789 effectively interacted with IP(3)R3. Similarly, WT-TRPC1 interacted with Cav-1, whereas TRPC1-CDelta781-789 binding to Cav-1 was markedly suppressed. We also assessed the direct binding of Cav-1 with TRPC1 and observed that the WT-Cav-1 but not the Cav-1DeltaCSD effectively interacted with TRPC1. Since the interaction between TRPC1 and Cav-1DeltaCSD was reduced, we measured Ca(2+) store release-induced Ca(2+) influx in Cav-1DeltaCSD-transfected cells. Surprisingly, Cav-1DeltaCSD expression showed a gain-of-function in Ca(2+) entry in HMEC and HEK-293 cells. We observed a similar gain-of-function in Ca(2+) entry when Cav-1DeltaCSD was expressed in lung endothelial cells of Cav-1 knockout mice. Immunoprecipitation results revealed that WT-Cav-1 but not Cav-1DeltaCSD interacted with IP(3)R3. Furthermore, we observed using confocal imaging the colocalization of IP(3)R3 with WT-Cav-1 but not with Cav-1DeltaCSD on Ca(2+) store release in endothelial cells. These findings suggest that CSD interacts with TRPC1 and IP(3)R3 and thereby regulates Ca(2+) store release-induced Ca(2+) entry in endothelial cells.

Endothelial transcytosis in health and disease

The visionaries predicted the existence of transcytosis in endothelial cells; the cell biologists deciphered its mechanisms and (in part) the molecules involved in the process; the cell pathologists unravelled the presence of defective transcytosis in some diseases. The optimistic perspective is that transcytosis, in general, and receptor-mediated transcytosis, in particular, will be greatly exploited in order to target drugs and genes to exclusive sites in and on endothelial cells (EC) or underlying cells. The current recognition that plasmalemmal vesicles (caveolae) are the vehicles involved in EC transcytosis has moved through various phases from initial considerations of caveolae as unmovable sessile non-functional plasmalemma invaginations to the present identification of a multitude of molecules and a crowd of functions associated with these ubiquitous structures of endothelial and epithelial cells. Further understanding of the molecular machinery that precisely guides caveolae through the cells so as to reach the target membrane (fission, docking, and fusion), to avoid lysosomes, or on the contrary, to reach the lysosomes, and discharge the cargo molecules will assist in the design of pathways that, by manipulating the physiological route of caveolae, will carry molecules of choice (drugs, genes) at controlled concentrations to precise destinations.

Targeting lipid rafts inhibits protein kinase B by disrupting calcium homeostasis and attenuates malignant properties of melanoma cells

Failure of current therapeutic modalities to treat melanoma remains a challenge for clinical and experimental oncology. The aggressive growth and apoptotic resistance of this tumor are mediated, in part, by aberrantly activated protein kinase B/Akt (PKB). In many cells, PKB signaling depends on integrity of cholesterol-enriched membrane microdomains (rafts). However, it is still unclear if rafts support deregulated PKB activity in melanoma. In this study, ablation of rafts in murine (B16BL6-8, JB/RH1) and human (GA) melanoma lines by cholesterol-chelating methyl-beta-cyclodextrin (MbetaCD) reduced levels of constitutively active PKB in a dose- and time-dependent manner, while reconstitution of microdomains restored PKB activity. PKB was sensitive to the membrane-permeable Ca2+ chelator 1,2-bis(o-aminophenoxy)ethane-N,N,N'N'-tetraacetic acid tetra (acetocymethyl) ester and to the calmodulin antagonist N-(6-aminohexyl)-5-chloro-1-naphtalenesulfonamide (W7) implying the contribution of Ca2+ signaling to PKB deregulation. Indeed, malignant and apoptosis-resistant clone of B16BL6 melanoma (B16BL6-8) displayed significantly higher [Ca2+](i) and store-operated Ca2+ influx (SOC) relative to non-malignant apoptosis-sensitive B16BL6 clone (Kb30) expressing barely detectable basal levels of active PKB. Raft ablation in B16BL6-8 cells robustly inhibited SOC and decreased [Ca2+](i) to levels comparable with those detected in Kb30 cells. Treating cells by PKB-inhibiting doses of M beta CD dramatically impaired their apoptotic resistance and capacity to generate tumors. Furthermore, weekly intraperitoneal injections of M beta CD to mice grafted with melanoma cells at doses of 300 and 800 mg/kg significantly attenuated tumor development. Our data implicate membrane rafts in enhancing the resistance of melanoma to apoptosis and indicate that targeting raft microdomains is a potentially effective strategy to cure this frequently fatal form of cancer.

TRPC1 binds to caveolin-3 and is regulated by Src kinase - role in Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Transient receptor potential canonical 1 (TRPC1), a widely expressed calcium (Ca(2+))-permeable channel, is potentially involved in the pathogenesis of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Ca(2+) influx through stretch-activated channels, possibly formed by TRPC1, induces muscle-cell damage in the mdx mouse, an animal model of DMD. In this study, we showed that TRPC1, caveolin-3 and Src-kinase protein levels are increased in mdx muscle compared with wild type. TRPC1 and caveolin-3 colocalised and co-immunoprecipitated. Direct binding of TRPC1-CFP to caveolin-3-YFP was confirmed in C2 myoblasts by fluorescence energy resonance transfer (FRET). Caveolin-3-YFP targeted TRPC1-CFP to the plasma membrane. Hydrogen peroxide, a reactive oxygen species (ROS), increased Src activity and enhanced Ca(2+) influx, but only in C2 myoblasts co-expressing TRPC1 and caveolin-3. In mdx muscle, Tiron, a ROS scavenger, and PP2, a Src inhibitor, reduced stretch-induced Ca(2+) entry and increased force recovery. Because ROS production is increased in mdx/DMD, these results suggest that a ROS-Src-TRPC1/caveolin-3 pathway contributes to the pathogenesis of mdx/DMD.

Lipid rafts determine clustering of STIM1 in endoplasmic reticulum-plasma membrane junctions and regulation of store-operated Ca2+ entry (SOCE)

Store depletion induces STIM1 to aggregate and relocate into clusters at ER-plasma membrane junctions where it functionally interacts with and activates plasma membrane channels that mediate store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE). Thus, the site of peripheral STIM1 clusters is critical for the regulation of SOCE. However, what determines the location of the STIM1 clusters in the ER-PM junctional regions, and whether these represent specific sites in the cell is not yet known. Here we report that clustering of STIM1 in the subplasma membrane region of the cell and activation of TRPC1-dependent SOCE are determined by lipid raft domains (LRD). We show that store depletion increased partitioning of TRPC1 and STIM1 into plasma membrane LRD. TRPC1 and STIM1 associated with each other within the LRD, and this association was dynamically regulated by the status of the ER Ca(2+) store. Peripheral STIM1 clustering was independent of TRPC1. However, sequestration of membrane cholesterol attenuated thapsigargin-induced clustering of STIM1 as well as SOCE in HSG and HEK293 cells. Recruitment and association of STIM1 and TRPC1 in LRD was also decreased. Additionally STIM1(D76A), which is peripherally localized and constitutively activates SOCE in unstimulated cells, displayed a relatively higher partitioning into LRD and interaction with TRPC1, as compared with STIM1. Disruption of membrane rafts decreased peripheral STIM1(D76A) puncta, its association with TRPC1 and the constitutive SOCE. Together, these data demonstrate that intact LRD determine targeting of STIM1 clusters to ER-plasma membrane junctions following store depletion. This facilitates the functional interaction of STIM1 with TRPC1 and activation of SOCE.

Caveolin-1: an ambiguous partner in cell signalling and cancer

Caveolae are small plasma membrane invaginations that have been implicated in a variety of functions including transcytosis, potocytosis and cholesterol transport and signal transduction. The major protein component of this compartment is a family of proteins called caveolins. Experimental data obtained in knockout mice have provided unequivocal evidence for a requirement of caveolins to generate morphologically detectable caveolae structures. However, expression of caveolins is not sufficient per seto assure the presence of these structures. With respect to other roles attributed to caveolins in the regulation of cellular function, insights are even less clear. Here we will consider, more specifically, the data concerning the ambiguous roles ascribed to caveolin-1 in signal transduction and cancer. In particular, evidence indicating that caveolin-1 function is cell context dependent will be discussed.

Caveolae as organizers of pharmacologically relevant signal transduction molecules

Caveolae, a subset of membrane (lipid) rafts, are flask-like invaginations of the plasma membrane that contain caveolin proteins, which serve as organizing centers for cellular signal transduction. Caveolins (-1, -2, and -3) have cytoplasmic N and C termini, palmitolylation sites, and a scaffolding domain that facilitates interaction and organization of signaling molecules so as to help provide coordinated and efficient signal transduction. Such signaling components include upstream entities (e.g., G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs), receptor tyrosine kinases, and steroid hormone receptors) and downstream components (e.g., heterotrimeric and low-molecular-weight G proteins, effector enzymes, and ion channels). Diseases associated with aberrant signaling may result in altered localization or expression of signaling proteins in caveolae. Caveolin-knockout mice have numerous abnormalities, some of which may reflect the impact of total body knockout throughout the life span. This review provides a general overview of caveolins and caveolae, signaling molecules that localize to caveolae, the role of caveolae/caveolin in cardiac and pulmonary pathophysiology, pharmacologic implications of caveolar localization of signaling molecules, and the possibility that caveolae might serve as a therapeutic target.

Caveolin-1 sensitizes vascular smooth muscle cells to mildly oxidized LDL-induced apoptosis

Oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL)-induced apoptosis of vascular cells may participate to plaque instability and rupture. Caveolin-1 has emerged as an important regulator of several signal transduction pathways and processes that play a role in atherosclerosis. In this study we examined the potential role of caveolin-1 in the regulation of oxLDL-induced Ca(2+) signaling and apoptosis in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMC). Cells expressing caveolin-1 were more susceptible to oxLDL-induced apoptosis, and this was correlated with enhanced Ca(2+) entry and pro-apoptotic events. Moreover, caveolin-1 silencing by small interfering RNA decreased the level of apoptotic cells after oxLDL treatment. These findings provide new insights about the potential role of caveolin-1 in the regulation of oxLDL-induced apoptosis in vascular cells and its contribution to the instability of the plaque.

Role of caveolar compartmentation in endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor-mediated relaxation: Ca2+ signals and gap junction function are regulated by caveolin in endothelial cells

BACKGROUND

In endothelial cells, caveolin-1, the structural protein of caveolae, acts as a scaffolding protein to cluster lipids and signaling molecules within caveolae and, in some instances, regulates the activity of proteins targeted to caveolae. Specifically, different putative mediators of the endothelium-derived hyperpolarizing factor (EDHF)-mediated relaxation are located in caveolae and/or regulated by the structural protein caveolin-1, such as potassium channels, calcium regulatory proteins, and connexin 43, a molecular component of gap junctions.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Comparing relaxation in vessels from caveolin-1 knockout mice and their wild-type littermates, we observed a complete absence of EDHF-mediated vasodilation in isolated mesenteric arteries from caveolin-1 knockout mice. The absence of caveolin-1 is associated with an impairment of calcium homeostasis in endothelial cells, notably, a decreased activity of Ca2+-permeable TRPV4 cation channels that participate in nitric oxide- and EDHF-mediated relaxation. Moreover, morphological characterization of caveolin-1 knockout and wild-type arteries showed fewer gap junctions in vessels from knockout animals associated with a lower expression of connexins 37, 40, and 43 and altered myoendothelial communication. Finally, we showed that TRPV4 channels and connexins colocalize with caveolin-1 in the caveolar compartment of the plasma membrane.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that expression of caveolin-1 is required for EDHF-related relaxation by modulating membrane location and activity of TRPV4 channels and connexins, which are both implicated at different steps in the EDHF-signaling pathway.

Clathrin-independent endocytosis: from nonexisting to an extreme degree of complexity

Today it is generally accepted that there are several endocytic mechanisms, both the clathrin-dependent one and mechanisms which operate without clathrin and with different requirements when it comes to dynamin, small GTP-binding proteins of the Rho family and specific lipids. It should be noted that clathrin-independent endocytosis can occur even when the cholesterol level in the membrane has been reduced to so low levels that caveolae are gone and clathrin-coated membrane areas are flat. Although new investigators in the field take it for granted that there is a multitude of entry mechanisms, it has taken a long time for this to become accepted. However, more work needs to be done, because one can still ask the question: How many endocytic mechanisms does a cell have, what are their function, and how are they regulated? This article describes some of the history of endocytosis research and attempts to give an overview of the complexity of the mechanisms and their regulation.

Reexpression of caveolin-1 in endothelium rescues the vascular, cardiac, and pulmonary defects in global caveolin-1 knockout mice

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) is the principal structural component of caveolae organelles in smooth muscle cells, adipocytes, fibroblasts, epithelial cells, and endothelial cells (ECs). Cav-1-deficient (Cav-1 knockout [KO]) mice are viable and show increases of nitric oxide (NO) production in vasculature, cardiomyopathy, and pulmonary dysfunction. In this study, we generated EC-specific Cav-1-reconstituted (Cav-1 RC) mice and reexamined vascular, cardiac, and pulmonary phenotypes. Cav-1 KO pulmonary arteries had decreased smooth muscle contractility and increased endothelial NO synthase activation and hypotension; the latter two effects were rescued completely in Cav-1 RC mice. Cav-1 KO mice exhibited myocardial hypertrophy, pulmonary hypertension, and alveolar cell hyperproliferation caused by constitutive activation of p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase and Akt. Interestingly, in Cav-1 RC mice, cardiac hypertrophy and pulmonary hypertension were completely rescued, whereas alveolar hyperplasia was partially recovered because of the lack of rescue of Cav-1 in bronchiolar epithelial cells. These results provide clear physiological evidence supporting the important role of cell type-specific Cav-1 expression governing multiple phenotypes in the vasculature, heart, and lung.

Myoferlin regulates vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 stability and function

Myoferlin and dysferlin are members of the ferlin family of membrane proteins. Recent studies have shown that mutation or genetic disruption of myoferlin or dysferlin promotes muscular dystrophy-related phenotypes in mice, which are the result of impaired plasma membrane integrity. However, no biological functions have been ascribed to myoferlin in non-muscle tissues. Herein, using a proteomic analysis of endothelial cell (EC) caveolae/lipid raft microdomains we identified myoferlin in these domains and show that myoferlin is highly expressed in ECs and vascular tissues. The loss of myoferlin results in lack of proliferation, migration, and nitric oxide (NO) release in response to vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Western blotting and surface biotinylation experiments show that loss of myoferlin reduces the expression level and autophosphorylation of VEGF receptor-2 (VEGFR-2) in native ECs. In a reconstituted cell system, transfection of myoferlin increases VEGFR-2 membrane expression and autophosphorylation in response to VEGF. In vivo, VEGFR-2 levels and VEGF-induced permeability are impaired in myoferlin-deficient mice. Mechanistically, myoferlin forms a complex with dynamin-2 and VEGFR-2, which prevents CBL-dependent VEGFR-2 polyubiquitination and proteasomal degradation. These data are the first to report novel biological activities for myoferlin and reveal the role of membrane integrity to VEGF signaling.