Interactions of MAP/Microtubule Affinity Regulating Kinases With the Adaptor Complex AP-2 of Clathrin-Coated Vesicles

MARK [microtubule-associated proteins (MAPs)/microtubule affinity regulating kinase]/Par-1 (partition defective) phosphorylate MAPs tau, MAP2 and MAP4 at KXGS motifs and thereby regulate microtubule dynamics and transport processes in cells [Drewes et al., Cell 1997;89:297-308]. We report here that MARK co-purifies with clathrin-coated vesicles (CCVs) via interaction with the adaptor complex AP-2. The adaptin binding site on MARK includes the regulatory loop of its catalytic domain. Immunofluorescence demonstrates the colocalization of MARK with AP-2 and clathrin, as well as other MARK-interacting proteins such as PAK5. The results are consistent with an observed influence of MARK oil the trafficking of CCVs. Cell Motil. Cytoskeleton 66: 661-672, 2009. (C) 2009 Wiley-Liss, Inc.