The role of caveolin-1 in gastric cancer progression

Introduction: Caveolin-1 is a ˜20-kDa scaffold protein enriched in lipid rafts of the plasma membrane that interacts with pathogens and cellular receptors. Caveolin-1 functions as a tumor modulator in vivo by acting as a checkpoint for signaling cascades involved in cell growth and survival. However, the role of caveolin-1 in the stomach is unknown. Methods: Expression of caveolin in human gastric cancer was assessed by immunohistochemistry and Western blot analyis. mRNA levels were assessed by quantitative PCR. Various functional assays were established to identify caveolin-dependent effects in gastric cancer c…