Caveolin protein structures and how they work
Structural Diversity of Caveolins
Researchers are mapping the 3D shapes of caveolin proteins to understand how changes in them can contribute to heart disease and cancer.
Quick facts
| Grant type | R01 grant |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | University of Virginia NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Charlottesville, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11145007 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
This team solved the first atomic structure of human caveolin-1 and will use high-resolution electron microscopy, computational modeling, and biochemical experiments to study different caveolin assemblies. They will examine how caveolins bind other proteins and lipids and how specific regions drive caveolae formation. The work includes testing how mutations or variations change caveolin structure and function. Findings will be used to connect structural changes to disease-related cellular defects.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: People with known genetic variants in caveolin genes, inherited muscle or cardiac conditions linked to caveolin dysfunction, or cancers associated with caveolin pathways would be the most relevant candidates for related patient studies or sample donation.
Not a fit: Patients without caveolin-related conditions or those seeking immediate clinical treatments are unlikely to receive direct personal benefit from this basic laboratory research.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could reveal how caveolin defects cause cardiovascular disease or cancer and point toward new diagnostic markers or targets for future therapies.
How similar studies have performed: This approach is novel and already produced the first atomic structure of the human Cav1 oligomer, marking a significant new success where prior work lacked high-resolution detail.
Where this research is happening
Charlottesville, United States
- University of Virginia — Charlottesville, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Kenworthy, Anne K — University of Virginia
- Study coordinator: Kenworthy, Anne K
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.