Adaptins are components of the adapter complexes which link clathrin to receptors in coated vesicles. Clathrin-associated protein complexes are believed to interact with the cytoplasmic tails of membrane proteins, leading to their selection and concentration. Binding of AP180 to clathrin triskelia promotes their assembly into 70-90 nm coats cages. Interacts with ALPHAC-AD and clathrin. Colocalized with clathrin in the Golgi area.