**Background of AAK1 Antibody**
Adaptor-associated protein kinase 1 (AAK1) is a serine/threonine kinase involved in regulating clathrin-mediated endocytosis (CME), a critical process for cellular internalization of receptors, lipids, and pathogens. AAK1 phosphorylates adaptor proteins like AP2. enhancing their ability to recruit clathrin and stabilize vesicle formation. Beyond its role in membrane trafficking, AAK1 has emerged as a therapeutic target due to its involvement in disease pathways, including neuropathic pain, viral infection (e.g., hepatitis C), and neurodegenerative disorders like Alzheimer’s disease.
AAK1 antibodies are essential tools for studying the expression, localization, and function of AAK1 in cellular and disease models. They are widely used in techniques such as Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and immunoprecipitation to investigate AAK1’s interaction networks and signaling mechanisms. Recent research highlights AAK1’s off-target inhibition by certain kinase inhibitors (e.g., sunitinib), spurring interest in developing selective AAK1 inhibitors for therapeutic applications.
The development of AAK1-targeting antibodies and small molecules, such as lorraacitinib, underscores its potential in modulating pain signaling and viral entry pathways. However, challenges remain in understanding tissue-specific AAK1 regulation and minimizing off-target effects in drug design. Ongoing studies aim to clarify its dual roles in cellular homeostasis and disease, positioning AAK1 as a promising yet complex target for biomedical research.