Cloning, expression, and localization of a novel γ-adaptin-like molecule

We describe the cloning, expression, and localization of γ 2-adaptin, a novel isoform of γ-adaptin. The predicted human and mouse γ 2-adaptin proteins are ∼90 kDa and 64.4% and 61.7% identical to γ-adaptin, respectively. γ 2-Adaptin was localized to the Golgi, its localization distinct from γ-adaptin. The membrane association of γ- and γ 2-adaptin could further be distinguished by differential sensitivity to the fungal metabolite brefeldin A, γ 2-adaptin binding being insensitive to drug treatment. Together, these results suggest that γ 2-adaptin plays a role in membrane transport distinct from that played by γ-adaptin.