DAT1 is a protein that dat plays essential roles in:. This page describes its structure, normal nervous system function, role in neurodegenerative disease, and potential as a therapeutic target.
DAT1 is a protein that dat plays essential roles in:. This page describes its structure, normal nervous system function, role in neurodegenerative disease, and potential as a therapeutic target.
The dopamine transporter (DAT, also known as SLC6A3) is a membrane protein that reuptakes dopamine from the synaptic cleft back into presynaptic [neurons](/entities/neurons), terminating dopamine signaling. It is a critical regulator of dopaminergic neurotransmission and a major target for psychostimulants and Parkinson's disease therapeutics.
Structure
DAT belongs to the neurotransmitter sodium symporter (NSS) family (SLC6). It consists of 12 transmembrane domains with intracellular N- and C-termini. The protein forms a central substrate-binding site that transports dopamine against a concentration gradient using Na+ and Cl- gradients.
Normal Function
DAT plays essential roles in:
Dopamine Reuptake: Clears dopamine from the synaptic cleft with ~10,000:1 efficiency
Small Molecule Modulators: Allosteric DAT modulators under development
Key Publications
[@gainetdinov2003]: Gainetdinov RR, Caron MG. [Dopamine transporter: a versatile molecule for targeted gene therapy](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/12531434/). Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003;100(3):903-908.
[@miller1999]: Miller GW, Gainetdinov RR, Levey AI, Caron MG. [Dopamine transporters and neuronal injury](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10604756/). Trends Pharmacol Sci. 1999;20(10):424-429.
[@bannon2005]: Bannon MJ. [The dopamine transporter: role in neurotoxicity and human disease](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15994194/). Toxicol Appl Pharmacol. 2005;204(2):355-360.
[@vaughan2013]: Vaughan RA, Foster JD. [Mechanisms of dopamine transporter regulation in normal and disease states](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24039514/). Trends Pharmacol Sci. 2013;34(9):489-496.