AAK1 - AP2 Associated Protein Kinase 1 | Elisa - Clia - Antibody - Protein

Background:

AAK1, also known as AP2 Associated Protein Kinase 1, is a serine/threonine protein kinase encoded by the AAK1 gene. It is part of the NAK (Numb-Associated Kinase) family of protein kinases and is involved in various cellular processes, including endocytosis, vesicle trafficking, and signaling pathways.AAK1, is involved in endocytosis, vesicle trafficking, and signaling pathways. It regulates clathrin-mediated endocytosis by phosphorylating key components of the endocytic machinery and participates in intracellular vesicle trafficking and signaling cascades. Dysregulation of AAK1 has been implicated in cancer, neurological disorders, and infectious diseases, highlighting its significance as a potential therapeutic target in various pathological conditions. Further research into the molecular mechanisms underlying AAK1 function and its implications for disease may provide insights into novel therapeutic strategies for treating these conditions.

Structure:

AAK1 is a multidomain protein kinase that contains several functional domains, including a protein kinase domain, a clathrin-binding domain, and multiple protein-protein interaction motifs. These domains enable AAK1 to interact with various binding partners and substrates involved in endocytosis and vesicle trafficking.

Classification and Subtypes:

AAK1 belongs to the NAK (Numb-Associated Kinase) family of protein kinases, which also includes cyclin G-associated kinase (GAK) and NAK-related kinase (NRK). While there are no known subtypes of AAK1, it shares structural and functional similarities with other NAK family members.

1. Regulation of Endocytosis: AAK1 plays a crucial role in the regulation of clathrin-mediated endocytosis, a process by which cells internalize extracellular molecules and receptors through vesicle formation. It phosphorylates various components of the endocytic machinery, including clathrin, adaptor protein complexes (AP-2), and other accessory proteins, to regulate the formation and trafficking of endocytic vesicles.
2. Vesicle Trafficking: AAK1 is involved in the regulation of intracellular vesicle trafficking pathways, including the sorting, transport, and fusion of vesicles with target membranes. It phosphorylates proteins involved in vesicle formation, cargo sorting, and membrane fusion, thereby modulating vesicle trafficking processes in cells.
3. Signaling Pathways: AAK1 also participates in signaling pathways implicated in cell growth, proliferation, and survival. It phosphorylates downstream targets involved in various signaling cascades, including the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway, to regulate cellular responses to extracellular stimuli.

Relevant Clinical Issues:

1. Cancer: Dysregulation of AAK1 expression or activity has been implicated in cancer progression and metastasis. AAK1 promotes tumor cell proliferation, survival, and invasion by modulating endocytic pathways, signaling pathways, and interactions with the tumor microenvironment. Targeting AAK1 may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for cancer treatment.
2. Neurological Disorders: AAK1 has been linked to neurological disorders such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. It regulates the internalization and trafficking of synaptic proteins, neurotransmitter receptors, and amyloid precursor protein (APP), which are implicated in synaptic function, neuronal signaling, and neurodegeneration.
3. Infectious Diseases: AAK1 plays a role in the entry and replication of certain viruses, including hepatitis C virus (HCV) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Targeting AAK1-mediated endocytic pathways may offer potential therapeutic approaches for inhibiting viral infection and replication.