AP-2 Associated Kinase 1 (AAK1) is a serine/threonine kinase primarily involved in regulating vesicular transport and endocytosis. AAK1 promotes vesicle-membrane binding by phosphorylating the μ2 subunit of the vesicle coat complex. It is expressed in various cell types, particularly in neurons and endothelial cells, where it is closely associated with neurotransmitter release, cellular signaling, and protein cycling processes. Dysregulation of AAK1 gene expression levels and functional mutations are associated with various diseases, including neurodegenerative disorders and certain types of cancers. Due to its critical role in intracellular transport processes, AAK1 has emerged as a potential target for drug development, particularly in the search for new strategies to treat Alzheimer's disease and cancer.