CAVIN2
CAVIN2 (caveolae associated protein 2, also known as SDR, PS-p68, cavin-2 and SDPR) is a member of the cavin family that contributes to caveolar biogenesis and morphology. It binds phospholipids independently of calcium and is a substrate for protein kinase C. Browse Assay Genie's current range of CAVIN2 research reagents below, or read on for the biology behind the target.
CAVIN2 plays an important role in caveolar biogenesis and morphology. It regulates caveolae shape by inducing membrane curvature within these structures. Its contribution to caveola formation is tissue-specific: it is required for caveolae in lung and fat endothelia, but not in heart endothelia. In lung endothelial cells it also negatively regulates the size or stability of CAVIN complexes. CAVIN2 may additionally help target PRKCA to caveolae.
The CAVIN2 gene encodes a calcium-independent phospholipid-binding protein, and the protein belongs to the cavin family, the HGNC gene group Cavins. UniProt lists its subcellular locations as the cytosol and the caveola membrane. According to the NCBI Gene summary, expression of the protein increases in serum-starved cells. It is a substrate for protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation and recruits polymerase I and transcript release factor (PTRF) to caveolae. Mouse and rat both have a Cavin2 ortholog.
Dosage studies show how closely CAVIN2 levels are tied to caveolar structure. Removal of the protein causes caveolae loss, whereas over-expression results in caveolae deformation and membrane tubulation. The gene was originally named for this behaviour in cultured cells, as serum deprivation response (phosphatidylserine-binding protein), which is the origin of the aliases SDR, SDPR and PS-p68. It is now designated cavin-2 within the cavin family.
CAVIN2 regulates caveolar biogenesis and morphology, making it a key protein for studying how caveolae form and are shaped.
CAVIN2 induces membrane curvature within caveolae, and its over-expression causes deformation and membrane tubulation.
CAVIN2 is required for caveolae in lung and fat endothelia but not heart endothelia, illustrating tissue-specific regulation.
As a PKC substrate that recruits PTRF to caveolae and may target PRKCA, CAVIN2 links kinase signalling to cavin complex assembly.
CAVIN2 supports caveolar biogenesis and regulates caveolae morphology by inducing membrane curvature. It is required for caveola formation in lung and fat endothelia, not heart endothelia. It also recruits PTRF to caveolae and may help target PRKCA there.
These names come from the original description of the protein as serum deprivation response (phosphatidylserine-binding protein), reflecting increased expression in serum-starved cells and phospholipid binding. HGNC now uses CAVIN2 for caveolae associated protein 2, and the protein is also called cavin-2.
Yes. Mouse and rat both carry a Cavin2 ortholog of the human gene. Researchers working in other species should check the datasheet of any product for its validated reactivity before selecting reagents.
Other cavin family members, caveolins and protein kinase C targets linked to caveolae biology.
Gene and protein annotations from HGNC, NCBI Gene and UniProt O95810; product specifications from Assay Genie datasheets.