Chapter 7 Pharmacologically targeting caveolae in metabolic diseases

Authors:

• Zhang, Wei Zheng

Details:

Pharmacological Targets in Metabolic Diseases, 2026-12-31

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Caveolae constitute functional membrane structures on the cell surface, composed of lipids and proteins that undergo dynamic recycling and reassembly on and off the membrane surface. Within these structures, numerous key proteins involved in various metabolic pathways are colocated, interacting with structural proteins to maintain physiological cellular metabolisms. Any disruption in the integrity or reduction in the number of caveolae on the cell surface can lead to metabolic abnormalities. Dysfunction or a diminished presence of caveolae on the cell surface of endothelial cells can play a role in the pathogenesis of metabolic syndrome (MS) formation, contributing concurrently to disorders such as diabetes, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, or hyperuricemia (HU). Colocalizations of the key molecules including the uric acid transporters linked to those conditions, together with the dynamic movement of caveolae, becomes a molecular mechanism of the association between MS and HU. Viruses such as HIV or COVID-19 also infect cells via caveolae to manifest concurrent symptoms of metabolic disorders. While experimental events have shown that restoring the arrangement of caveolae can correct certain metabolic disorders, clinical applications directly targeting caveolae, especially in the context of metabolic disorders, are limited. This chapter aims to consolidate and discuss the molecule-based mechanisms linking the mentioned metabolic diseases with caveolae in pathogenesis and development, explores potential pharmaceutical applications for treating these metabolic disorders, and identifies gaps for further research.