De novo formation of caveolae in lymphocytes by expression of VIP21-caveolin

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 1995 Sep 12;92(19):8655-9. doi: 10.1073/pnas.92.19.8655.

Abstract

Caveolae are plasma membrane invaginations, which have been implicated in endothelial transcytosis, endocytosis, potocytosis, and signal transduction. In addition to their well-defined morphology, caveolae are characterized by the presence of an integral membrane protein termed VIP21-caveolin. We have recently observed that lymphocytes have no detectable VIP21-caveolin and lack plasma membrane invaginations resembling caveolae. Here we transiently express VIP21-caveolin in a lymphocyte cell line using the Semliki Forest virus expression system and show de novo formation of plasma membrane invaginations containing VIP21-caveolin. These invaginations appear homogeneous in size and morphologically indistinguishable from caveolae of nonlymphoid cells. Moreover, the glycosylphosphatidylinositol-anchored protein. Thy1, patched by antibodies, redistributes to the newly formed caveolae. Our results show that VIP21-caveolin is a key structural component required for caveolar biogenesis.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't
  • Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Biological Transport
  • Blotting, Western
  • Carrier Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Carrier Proteins / genetics
  • Carrier Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Caveolin 1
  • Caveolins*
  • Cell Line
  • Cell Membrane / metabolism
  • Cell Membrane / ultrastructure*
  • Cricetinae
  • Hybridomas / physiology
  • Hybridomas / ultrastructure
  • Lymphocytes / metabolism
  • Lymphocytes / ultrastructure*
  • Membrane Proteins / biosynthesis*
  • Membrane Proteins / genetics
  • Membrane Proteins / isolation & purification
  • Microscopy, Immunoelectron
  • Particle Size
  • Recombinant Proteins / biosynthesis
  • Semliki forest virus / genetics
  • Signal Transduction

Substances

  • Carrier Proteins
  • Caveolin 1
  • Caveolins
  • Membrane Proteins
  • Recombinant Proteins