AP2S1 Antibody – Mouse Monoclonal

One of two major clathrin-associated adaptor complexes, AP-2, is a heterotetramer which is associated with the plasma membrane. This complex is composed of two large chains, a medium chain, and a small chain. This gene encodes the small chain of this complex. Alternative splicing has been observed in this gene and results in two known transcripts. [provided by RefSeq, Jul 2008]

Function: Component of the adaptor protein complex 2 (AP-2). Adaptor protein complexes function in protein Transport via Transport vesicles in different membrane traffic pathways. Adaptor protein complexes are vesicle coat components and appear to be involved in cargo selection and vesicle formation. AP-2 is involved in clathrin-dependent endocytosis in which cargo proteins are incorporated into vesicles surrounded by clathrin (clathrin-coated vesicles, CCVs) which are destined for fusion with the early endosome. The clathrin lattice serves as a mechanical scaffold but is itself unable to bind directly to membrane components. Clathrin-associated adaptor protein (AP) complexes which can bind directly to both the clathrin lattice and to the lipid and protein components of membranes are considered to be the major clathrin adaptors contributing the CCV formation. AP-2 also serves as a cargo receptor to selectively sort the membrane proteins involved in receptor-mediated endocytosis. AP-2 seems to play a role in the recycling of synaptic vesicle membranes from the presynaptic surface. AP-2 recognizes Y-X-X-[FILMV] (Y-X-X-Phi) and [ED]-X-X-X-L-[LI] endocytosis signal motifs within the cytosolic tails of transmembrane cargo molecules. AP-2 may also play a role in maintaining normal post-endocytic trafficking through the ARF6-regulated, non-clathrin pathway. The AP-2 alpha and AP-2 sigma subunits are thought to contribute to the recognition of the [ED]-X-X-X-L-[LI] motif

By similarity. May also play a role in extracellular calcium homeostasis. Ref.6 Ref.7 Ref.8 Ref.11

Subunit structure: Adaptor protein complex 2 (AP-2) is a heterotetramer composed of two large adaptins (alpha-type subunit AP2A1 or AP2A2 and beta-type subunit AP2B1), a medium adaptin (mu-type subunit AP2M1) and a small adaptin (sigma-type subunit AP2S1).

Subcellular location: Cell membrane. Membrane › coated pit; Peripheral membrane protein; Cytoplasmic side. Note: AP-2 appears to be excluded from internalizing CCVs and to disengage from sites of endocytosis seconds before internalization of the nascent CCV

By similarity.

Involvement in disease: Hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, familial 3 (HHC3) [MIM:600740]: A form of hypocalciuric hypercalcemia, a disorder of mineral homeostasis that is transmitted as an autosomal dominant trait with a high degree of penetrance. It is characterized biochemically by lifelong elevation of serum calcium concentrations and is associated with inappropriately low urinary calcium excretion and a normal or mildly elevated circulating parathyroid hormone level. Hypermagnesemia is typically present. Affected individuals are usually asymptomatic and the disorder is considered benign. However, chondrocalcinosis and pancreatitis occur in some adults.Note: The disease is caused by mutations affecting the gene represented in this entry. Ref.11

Sequence similarities: Belongs to the adaptor complexes small subunit family.