NECAP endocytosis associated 1 (NECAP1)

NECAP endocytosis associated 1 (NECAP1) is a clathrin-coated vesicle-associated protein that modulates the core adapter protein AP-2 during clathrin-mediated endocytosis[1][3]. It contains two characteristic WXXF motifs and an N-terminal PHear domain that enables selective protein-protein interactions with AP-2 and endocytic accessory proteins, fine-tuning vesicle size, number, and cargo composition[1][2][3]. NECAP1 helps recruit specific proteins (e.g., CALM, AP180, FCHo family) to vesicle formation sites, thereby controlling the efficacy and organization of endocytic machinery in neuronal and other cell types[1][2][3]. Dysfunction due to loss-of-function mutations in NECAP1 leads to a severe early-onset neurological disorder termed early infantile epileptic encephalopathy-21 (DEE21/EIEE21)[3]. There are no approved drugs targeting NECAP1, and it is currently not a clinical biomarker. NECAP1’s role is essential for normal neuronal development and global rates of endocytosis[1][3].

Other names

Adaptin ear-binding coat-associated protein 1NECAP1NECAP-1DKFZP566B183NECAP endocytosis-associated protein 1DEE21 (Early infantile epileptic encephalopathy 21)EIEE21