AAK1

AAK1 (AP2-associated kinase 1) is a founding member of the NAK family of clathrin-associated kinases. It binds the AP2 adaptor complex and phosphorylates the AP2 μ2 subunit, a modification that regulates cargo recognition and the dynamics of clathrin-mediated endocytosis. Structurally, AAK1 combines an N-terminal kinase domain with a central AP2-binding region and a C-terminal clathrin-binding segment, placing it directly on the endocytic coat machinery. Beyond endocytosis, AAK1 has been linked to neurite outgrowth, and host kinase screens identified it as a factor exploited by certain viruses for entry, raising its profile as a host-directed antiviral target. Small-molecule AAK1 inhibitors are under investigation. Recombinant AAK1 is used for endocytic-pathway and inhibitor studies.