Caveolin-1 in cell migration and metastasis.

Caveolin-1 is a member of the caveolin family that has been ascribed a dual role in cancer. In early stages of disease the protein functions predominantly as a tumor suppressor, whereas at later stages, caveolin-1 expression is associated with tumor progression and metastasis. Here, some mechanisms associated with caveolin-1-dependent tumor suppression will be briefly discussed before focusing on the role of this protein and particularly phosphorylation of tyrosine-14 in promoting cell migration, invasion and metastasis. Models are provided summarizing possible explanations for these dramatic changes in function, as well as mechanisms by which this may be achieved.

The caveolin-1 connection to cell death and survival.

Caveolins are a family of membrane proteins required for the formation of small plasma membrane invaginations called caveolae that are implicated in cellular trafficking processes. In addition to this structural role, these scaffolding proteins modulate numerous intracellular signaling pathways; often via direct interaction with specific binding partners. Caveolin-1 is particularly well-studied in this respect and has been attributed a large variety of functions. Thus, Caveolin-1 also represents the best-characterized isoform of this family with respect to its participation in cancer. Rather strikingly, available evidence indicates that Caveolin-1 belongs to a select group of proteins that function, depending on the cellular settings, both as tumor suppressor and promoter of cellular traits commonly associated with enhanced malignant behavior, such as metastasis and multi-drug resistance. The mechanisms underlying such ambiguity in Caveolin-1 function constitute an area of great interest. Here, we will focus on discussing how Caveolin-1 modulates cell death and survival pathways and how this may contribute to a better understanding of the ambiguous role this protein plays in cancer.