Protein is localized to the cell cortex and in the cytoplasm of interphase sensory organ precursor cells. However, beginning in metaphase and throughout mitosis the protein becomes assymetrically localized to the cell cortex near one centrosome and after cytokinesis is partitioned into the pIIb cell that also contains the numb protein.

α-Adaptin proteinis detected in embryonic extracts by Western blots. A detailed descriptionof it\'s distribution in embryos as determined by immunolocalization isprovided. In summary, during cellularization, it is seen between and aheadof the elongating nuclei and redistributes to the cell surface duringgastrulation. In later stages, it is expressed in a complex and dynamicpattern. Strong sites of expression include neuroblasts, presumptivestomatogastric nervous sytem, lateral chordotonal organs, garland cells,adult midgut precursors, antenno-maxillary complex, endoderm, fat bodies,and the visceral mesoderm. In larvae, it is localized to the plasmamembrane in the synaptic boutons of the neuromuscular junctions. Itappears to be a good marker for endocytic activity.