Core components of the machinery driving clathrin-mediated endocytosis

Clathrin triskelions, comprised of three clathrin heavy chains (CHC) and three tightly associated light chains (CLC), assemble into a polygonal lattice, which helps deform the overlying plasma membrane into a coated pit. Heterotetrameric AP2 complexes are targeted to the plasma membrane by the α-adaptin subunits, where they mediate clathrin assembly through the β2-subunit and interact directly with sorting motifs on cargo molecules through their μ2 subunits. Dynamin is a multidomain GTPase that is recruited to the necks of coated pits, where it can assemble into a spiral or \"collar\" to mediate or monitor membrane fission and the release of clathrin-coated vesicles. A subsequent uncoating reaction recycles the coat constituents for reuse.