The protein encoded by this gene interacts with the gamma-adaptin and alpha-adaptin subunits of complexes involved in clathrin vesicle assembly. AAGAB (p34), interacts with the gamma-adaptin subunit of AP1 and with the alpha-adaptin subunit of AP2. Giehl et al. (2012) cloned full-length AAGAB. AAGAB is expressed in hair follicle cells, in keratinocytes, lymphocytes, and other tissues.
Immunohistochemical analysis of normal palmoplantar skin revealed granular cytoplasmic AAGAB staining, particularly in the stratum basale and the first suprabasal cell layers of the stratum spinosum. In the upper layers of the stratum spinosum, the staining was much weaker and localized only around the nuclei of a few keratinocytes. Dermal vessels were also AAGAB-positive.