This volume explores techniques used to study either the structure or the functions of caveolae and their components in several normal and pathophysiological situations. The chapters in this book cover topics such as selective visualization of caveolae by electron microscopy techniques; spatiotemporal analysis of caveolae dynamics and mechanics using live cell fluorescence microscopy; in vitro reconstitution such as liposomes and GPMVs as tools to study caveolin- and cavin-interacting partners; pulling of tethers from the cell plasma membrane using optical tweezers; and immunofluorescence-based analysis of caveolin-3 in the diagnostic management of neuromuscular diseases. Written in the highly successful Methods in Molecular Biology series format, chapters include introductions to their respective topics, lists of the necessary materials and reagents, step-by-step, readily reproducible laboratory protocols, and tips on troubleshooting and avoiding known pitfalls
