Caveolae and caveolins.

In the past year, we have witnessed considerable progress towards an understanding of the workings of caveolae. Highlights include the identification of new caveolin family members, the characterization of VIP21-caveolin as a cholesterol-binding oligomeric protein, and evidence for functional interactions between caveolins and heterotrimeric G proteins. In addition, novel systems for caveolae purification and for studying caveolae biogenesis are starting to reveal insights into the molecular basis of caveolae formation and function.