New directions for the clathrin adaptor AP-1 in cell biology and human disease

• Published in: Current opinion in cell biology 2022-06, Vol.76, p.102079-102079, Article 102079
• Main Author: Duncan, Mara C.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Adaptor Protein Complex 1 - metabolism; Adaptor Proteins, Vesicular Transport - metabolism; Clathrin - metabolism; Endosomes - metabolism; Humans; Protein Transport; trans-Golgi Network - metabolism; Transcription Factor AP-1 - metabolism
• ISSN: 0955-0674; 1879-0410
• DOI: 10.1016/j.ceb.2022.102079

The clathrin adaptor protein complex-1 (AP-1) is a central player in cell physiology and human health. It is best known for its role in linking clathrin to its cargo at the trans-Golgi network and endosomes. It participates in traffic important for the correct function of a large number of organelles, including the trans-Golgi network, endosomes, lysosomes, lysosome-related organelles, and plasma membrane. Although it was one of the first clathrin adaptors identified, new discoveries about cargo and pathways that depend on AP-1 continue to emerge. This review summarizes new research into AP-1 that further illuminates its roles in the traffic of plasma membrane proteins, in maintaining TGN content, and in human disease. •AP-1 is known to control the protein content of many organelles in the endo-lysosomal system.•Proteomics and other studies reveal widespread effects of AP-1 on the polarized localization of many plasma membrane proteins.•Kinetics studies in yeast reveal the involvement of AP-1 in a dynamic retention mechanism at the trans-Golgi network.•Studies from the lab and clinic provide insight into AP-1 dysfunction in human disease.