Caveolin-3 (Cav-3)

Caveolin-3 is a membrane-associated scaffolding protein and the principal structural component of caveolae (small invaginations in the plasma membrane) specific to muscle tissue, particularly cardiac and skeletal muscle[1][3][4]. It is encoded by the CAV3 gene and is 151 amino acids in length. Caveolin-3 organizes and supports various signaling complexes, regulates ion channels (such as sodium channels critical for cardiac rhythm), and maintains sarcolemmal stability and muscle cell homeostasis. Mutations in CAV3 disrupt caveolae formation and have been linked to a spectrum of muscle diseases, including limb-girdle muscular dystrophy type 1C, distal myopathy, rippling muscle disease, hyperCKemia, and various cardiomyopathies[2][3][4]. Caveolin-3 also plays a role in signaling pathways relevant to cellular protection and stress response in cardiac muscle[1].

Other names

CAV3caveolin betaM-caveolinmuscle caveolincaveolin beta-1LGMD-1C protein

Stabilization/restoration of caveolae structure; Regulation of associated signaling pathways (PI3K/Akt/eNOS/PKC); Modulation of sarcolemmal membrane stability