Caveolins are a family of integral membrane proteins that are the principal components of caveolae membranes and involved in receptor-independent endocytosis. Three members of this family exist. The scaffolding protein encoded by this gene is the main component of the caveolae plasma membranes found in most cell types. Caveolin 1 is most prominently expressed in endothelial, fibrous, and adipose tissue. Caveolins have been implicated in both tumor suppression and oncogenesis. High expression of caveolins leads to inhibition of cancer-related pathways, such as growth factor signaling pathways. However, certain cancer cells that express caveolins have been shown to be more aggressive and metastatic.

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