Caveolae biogenesis and lipid sorting at the plasma membrane

The plasma membrane of many cell types, in particular, endothelia, smooth muscle cells, and adipocytes, contains numerous small invaginations termed caveolae. In nonmuscle cells, caveolae are formed by lipid-driven assembly of the integral membrane protein caveolin 1 (Cav1) and the peripherally attached protein cavin1. Accessory proteins such as Eps15 homology domain-containing 2 (EHD2) control the cell surface association of caveolae, together providing a unique invaginated membrane structure with distinct dynamics and protein and lipid compositions. These features enable caveolae to survey the plasma membrane integrity and to adjust membrane tension, and sort lipids according to the cellular requirements. Currently, characteristics of the protein and lipid interface of caveola are being unraveled, and this chapter is focused on the present knowledge of caveolae biogenesis and dynamics and describes methods that are being used to study the role of caveolae in lipid flux and lipid composition at the cell surface.