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Updated: May 29, 2026

A Mimic of the Tumor Microenvironment: A Simple Method for Generating Enriched Cell Populations and Investigating Intercellular Communication
Published on: September 20, 2016
The role of caveolin-1 in human breast cancer
Neill Patani1, Lesley-Ann Martin, Jorge S Reis-Filho
1The Breakthrough Breast Cancer Research Centre, Institute of Cancer Research, London SW3 6JB, UK.
Abstract:
Caveolin-1 is the essential constituent protein of specialised plasma membrane invaginations called caveolae. The unique topology of caveolin-1 facilitates the role of caveolae as molecular hubs, integrating the activity of a multitude of signalling molecules. Despite improvements in our understanding of caveolin-1 interactions and the function of caveolae, the relationship between dysfunctional caveolin-1 and tumourigenesis remains contentious. Perhaps most intriguing has been the demonstration of both oncogenic and tumour suppressor function within particular tumour types, including breast cancer. In this review, the biological and clinical relevance of caveolin-1 in human breast cancer are considered. Evidence is systematically presented for the potential tumour suppressor and oncogenic functions of caveolin-1. Specific reference is made to interactions between caveolin-1 and signalling pathways in the clinical and biological subtypes of breast cancer. Areas of controversy are discussed and technical considerations are highlighted. Translational implications and potential for specific therapeutic manipulation of caveolin-1 are evaluated in the context of evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies.
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