This gene encodes a calcium-independent phospholipid-binding protein whose expression increases in serum-starved cells. This protein is a substrate for protein kinase C (PKC) phosphorylation and recruits polymerase I and transcript release factor (PTRF) to caveolae. Removal of this protein causes caveolae loss and its over-expression results in caveolae deformation and membrane tubulation.[provided by RefSeq, Sep 2009]
Forensic Context
A study in humans with severe erectile dysfunction using single-cell RNA sequencing of penile cavernous tissue identified CAVIN2 as a gene expressed in endothelial cell subpopulations that regulates the formation of caveolae [Fang et al. DOI:10.3389/fendo.2022.874915]. In a separate human study of major trauma patients, the CAVIN2 was significantly downregulated in circulating T cells during the injury stage compared to the recovery stage [Rau et al. DOI:10.2147/JIR.S375881].