Adaptor protein complex 2 subunit alpha-2 (AP2A2)

Adaptor protein complex 2 subunit alpha-2 (AP2A2) is a large subunit of the AP-2 heterotetrameric adaptor protein complex, which is essential for clathrin-mediated endocytosis at the plasma membrane. AP2A2 binds polyphosphoinositide lipids to position the AP-2 complex at the membrane, serving as a platform for vesicle coat formation and as an interaction hub for accessory proteins. Through cargo recognition and endocytic vesicle assembly, AP2A2 is a key regulator of cellular protein internalization, synaptic vesicle recycling in neurons, and membrane trafficking in multiple tissues. Dysregulation or genetic variation in AP2A2 has been implicated in neurodegenerative conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease, and in other pathologies related to altered endocytosis and membrane trafficking. AP2A2 is not itself a direct therapeutic target but is of interest in studies of endocytic pathway dysfunction in disease.

Other names

AP-2 complex subunit alpha-2Adaptor-related protein complex 2 subunit alpha-2Alpha-adaptin CAlpha2-adaptinClathrin assembly protein complex 2 alpha-C large chainHuntingtin yeast partner J (HYPJ)Huntingtin-interacting protein 9 (HIP9)Clathrin-associated/assembly/adaptor protein, large, alpha 2ADTABCLAPA2DKFZP564D1864Plasma membrane adaptor HA2/AP2 adaptin alpha C subunit100 kDa coated vesicle protein CKIAA0899

Not applicable; AP2A2 is not a direct drug target. Its mechanism relates to endocytic vesicle coat assembly and cargo sorting. Drugs affecting endocytosis may alter AP2A2 function indirectly, but no explicit modulators are characterized.