Caveolae are bulb-shaped, cholesterol-rich plasma membrane (PM) invaginations with a wide array of functions, including lipid turnover and PM organisation. PASCIN-2, a member of the membrane-shaping F-BAR protein family, localises to the neck of caveolae and has thus been proposed to be involved in membrane deformations associated with their morphogenesis. However, the role of lipid composition in caveolae formation remains unclear, and in this study, Akio Kitao, Shiro Suetsugu and co-workers (Gusmira et al., 2020) use liposomes that mimic the phospholipid and cholesterol content of caveolae to examine in detail PASCIN2-mediated membrane shaping. Interestingly, they found that cholesterol reduces the binding affinity of PASCIN2 for liposomes and thus inhibits the formation of membrane tubules. Conversely, the formation of tubules with caveolin-1 at their tips, suggestive of intermediates of caveolae endocytosis, was enhanced when cholesterol was depleted from liposomes. In agreement with this, knockout of PASCIN2 in HeLa cells resulted in the reduced removal of caveolae from the PM when cholesterol was acutely depleted. Taken together, these findings point to a role for PASCIN2 in removing cholesterol-free caveolae from the PM, which might be important for the maintenance of cholesterol-enriched caveolae at the cell surface.
Role of cholesterol in the regulation of caveolae Free
Role of cholesterol in the regulation of caveolae. J Cell Sci 1 October 2020; 133 (19): e1902. doi:
Download citation file:
Advertisement
Cited by
Special Issue – Cell Biology of Mitochondria

Our special issue on ‘Cell Biology of Mitochondria’ is now complete. Explore this issue and read the Editorial from our Guest Editors Ana J. García-Sáez and Heidi McBride.
Save the date – Imaging Cell Dynamics

We are delighted to announce that we will be hosting a 2026 Imaging Cell Dynamics meeting. This meeting will provide a unique opportunity to bring together experts working at the interface between cell biology and imaging. Save the date for 11-14 May 2026 and register for more information.
Mitochondria–membranous organelle contacts at a glance

Antigoni Diokmetzidou and Luca Scorrano provide an overview of contacts between mitochondria and other membranous organelles, describing the interorganelle tethers involved and the factors that regulate the composition and functions of such contacts.
JCS-FocalPlane Training Grants

Early-career researchers - working in an area covered by JCS - who would like to attend a microscopy training course, please apply. Deadline dates for 2025 applications: 6 June 2025 (decision by week commencing 28 July 2025) and 5 September 2025 (decision by week commencing 20 October 2025).
JCS fast-track option

Have a paper that has been reviewed elsewhere? JCS is pleased to consider such manuscripts for fast-tracked decision making. Send us your manuscript together with the full set of reviews and decision letters, and we will make an initial decision within one week.
Help shape your future publishing experience

We are gathering feedback from our readers, authors and reviewers, to help us shape the next 100 years and to keep offering a publishing experience that truly supports our community. Please have your say by completing our community survey. Survey closes on 25 June.