Novel phosphorylation substrates reveal a spatially regulated role for AAK1 in cell migration - AAK1 interactome profiling

NAKs (Numb-associated kinases) are a relatively unexplored kinase family that interacts with the endocytic machinery. Among NAK members, AAK1 has been linked to disorders such as neuropathic pain, schizophrenia, and Alzheimer's disease. Our goal is to better understand the cellular pathways regulated by AAK1 as its only known role until now has been in endocytosis. Using the co-immunoprecipitation technique, we discovered new AAK1 interactors. These include proteins involved in the actin cytoskeleton, such as members of the Arp2/3 complex and various actin types, as well as proteins involved in cell junctions, such as the SRC kinase and RAC1. This indicates that AAK1 has additional roles beyond its previously described function in endocytosis.