adaptin1

Adaptin1 is a protein that belongs to the adaptin family, which plays a crucial role in the formation and function of the clathrin-coated pits, essential structures in the process of endocytosis. Endocytosis is the cellular mechanism by which the cell membrane internalizes and transports materials, such as proteins and lipids, into the cell.

Adaptin1 is a homodimer, meaning it consists of two identical subunits. It interacts with several other proteins, including clathrin, AP-2 (adaptor protein complex 2), and the small GTPase dynamin. These interactions are vital for the assembly and stability of the clathrin-coated pits, which are involved in the internalization of membrane-bound ligands and the formation of early endosomes.

The gene encoding adaptin1 is located on chromosome 1 in humans. Mutations in this gene have been linked to various diseases, including Charcot-Marie-Tooth disease type 4A, a peripheral neuropathy characterized by muscle weakness and sensory loss. Additionally, adaptin1 has been implicated in cancer, where it plays a role in the regulation of cell growth and survival.

Research on adaptin1 has provided insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying endocytosis and its dysregulation in pathological conditions. The protein's role in clathrin-coated pit formation and the subsequent endocytic pathway has made it a target for therapeutic interventions aimed at treating diseases associated with impaired endocytosis.