CAV2
Description
The CAV2 (caveolin 2) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 7.
Caveolin-2 is a protein encoded by the CAV2 gene in humans. It is a major component of the inner surface of caveolae, small invaginations of the plasma membrane, and is involved in crucial cellular functions, including signal transduction, lipid metabolism, cellular growth control, and apoptosis. Caveolin-2 may function as a tumor suppressor. The CAV1 and CAV2 genes are located next to each other on chromosome 7 and express colocalizing proteins that form a stable hetero-oligomeric complex. This complex can be disrupted by Src-mediated phosphorylation of tyrosine 19 on caveolin-2. Two transcript variants encoding distinct isoforms have been identified for this gene. Using alternative initiation codons in the same reading frame, two isoforms (alpha and beta) are encoded by one transcript. Caveolin 2 has been shown to interact with Caveolin 1 and RAS p21 protein activator 1.
Caveolin-2 functions as a scaffolding protein within caveolar membranes. It interacts directly with G-protein alpha subunits and can regulate their activity. It acts as an accessory protein with CAV1, targeting lipid rafts and driving caveolae formation. The Ser-36 phosphorylated form plays a role in modulating mitosis in endothelial cells. It acts as a positive regulator of cellular mitogenesis in the MAPK signaling pathway. Caveolin-2 is required for the insulin-stimulated nuclear translocation and activation of MAPK1 and STAT3, subsequently regulating cell cycle progression.
CAV2 is also known as CAV.
