Vesicular monoamine transporters

Vesicular monoamine transporters (VMATs) are a type of transport protein that are responsible for the vesicular uptake of certain neurotransmitters, such as dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and histamine. These transporters are found in the membrane of synaptic vesicles in neurons and play a crucial role in the regulation of neurotransmission.

Function

VMATs function to transport monoamines from the cytosol of the neuron into the synaptic vesicles, where they are stored until they are released into the synaptic cleft during neurotransmission. This process is driven by a proton gradient across the vesicle membrane, which is maintained by the V-ATPase.

Types

There are two known types of VMATs: VMAT1 and VMAT2. VMAT1 is primarily found in neuroendocrine cells and is involved in the secretion of monoamines into the bloodstream. VMAT2, on the other hand, is primarily found in neurons and is involved in neurotransmission.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the function of VMATs have been implicated in a number of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and depression. In addition, certain drugs, such as reserpine and tetrabenazine, work by inhibiting the function of VMATs, thereby reducing the release of monoamines into the synaptic cleft.

See also

• Neurotransmitter transporter
• Synaptic vesicle
• Neurotransmission