HA2/AP2 adaptor complex

Introduction

Alias clathrin assembly protein [AP]-2

Function

• specifically recognizes or associates vesicles with the plasma membrane.
• role in protein sorting in the trans-Golgi network (TGN) &/or endosomes
• seems to play a role in the recycling of synaptic vesicle membranes from the presynaptic surface
• the complex binds polyphosphoinositides

Structure

• heterotetramer of
  • an alpha-type (AP2A1 or AP2A2)
  • a beta type (AP2B1)
  • a mu-type (AP2M1)
  • a sigma type (AP2S1)

More general terms

• HA/AP adaptor complex