Calcium signal transduction from caveolae

Caveolae are specialized membrane microdomains that are found on the plasma membrane of most cells. Recent studies indicate that a variety of signaling molecules are highly organized in caveolae, where their interactions initiate specific cascades. Molecules enriched in this membrane included G protein-coupled receptors, heterotrimeric GTP binding proteins, IP3 receptor-like protein, Ca2+ ATPases, eNOS, and several PKC isoforms. Direct measurements of calcium changes in endothelial suggest that caveolae may be sites that regulate intracellular Ca2+ concentration and Ca2+ dependent signal transduction. This review will focus on the role of caveolae in controlling the spatial and temporal pattern of intracellular Ca2+ signaling.