The AP2 adaptor complex is a heterotetrameric adaptor that links selected plasma-membrane cargo to clathrin during endocytosis. Recognition of membrane lipids and cargo signals helps concentrate the machinery at appropriate locations. Internalization can reduce surface receptor abundance or return reusable components to an intracellular pool. AP2 acts at a different major location from the AP1 adaptor complex, despite the related coat-adaptor design. [ref]
Molecular Biology of the Cell, 4th edition by Bruce Alberts and others. Chapter 13, Transport into the Cell from the Plasma Membrane: clathrin-coated pits
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