Vesicular monoamine transporter

Vesicular monoamine transporter (VMAT) is a type of transporter protein that is responsible for the transport of monoamine neurotransmitters into synaptic vesicles. These neurotransmitters include dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and epinephrine. VMAT is found in the membrane of synaptic vesicles in neurons and endocrine cells.

Function

VMAT functions to transport monoamines from the cytosol of the presynaptic neuron into the synaptic vesicles. This process is essential for the storage and subsequent release of monoamine neurotransmitters. VMAT uses the proton gradient across the vesicle membrane to drive the transport of monoamines.

Types

There are two types of VMAT: VMAT1 and VMAT2. VMAT1 is primarily found in neuroendocrine cells, while VMAT2 is found in neurons. Both types function to transport monoamines, but they have different affinities for different monoamines.

Clinical significance

Alterations in VMAT function can lead to various neurological and psychiatric disorders. For example, decreased VMAT2 function has been associated with Parkinson's disease, while increased VMAT2 function has been associated with schizophrenia. VMAT is also a target for various drugs, including reserpine and tetrabenazine, which are used to treat high blood pressure and movement disorders, respectively.

See also

• Monoamine neurotransmitter
• Transporter protein
• Synaptic vesicle
• Neuron
• Endocrine cell
• Proton gradient
• Parkinson's disease
• Schizophrenia
• Reserpine
• Tetrabenazine

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  Vesicular monoamine transporter

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