Anti-VMAT2 antibody

Supplementary info

This supplementary information is collated from multiple sources and compiled automatically.

Activity summary

The vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) also known as SLC18A2 is a protein that is important for transporting neurotransmitters like dopamine serotonin norepinephrine and histamine into synaptic vesicles. VMAT2 has a mass of approximately 70 kDa and is mainly found in the brain where it is expressed in neurons. Its activity relies on the proton gradient across the vesicular membrane enabling it to concentrate neurotransmitters in vesicles for release into the synaptic cleft.

Biological function summary

VMAT2 handles the packaging and storage of important monoamine neurotransmitters which play a role in mood regulation cognition and movement. Although VMAT2 acts independently it is important for the functioning of neurotransmitter transport and release. By storing neurotransmitters into vesicles VMAT2 ensures that neurons can quickly release them into the synapse when needed supporting efficient neural signaling.

Pathways

VMAT2 plays an important role in the dopamine and serotonin systems. In the dopamine pathway VMAT2 stores dopamine into vesicles which are then released during neurotransmission. It works closely with the dopamine transporter DAT which reuptakes dopamine from the synaptic cleft back into neurons. Similarly in the serotonin pathway VMAT2 collaborates with the serotonin transporter SERT. These relationships emphasize VMAT2's central position in modulating neurotransmitter signaling linking it to mood and motor control regulation.

Associated diseases and disorders

VMAT2 has a notable link to neurological and psychiatric conditions. Parkinson's disease characterized by the loss of dopaminergic neurons shows disrupted VMAT2 function affecting dopamine storage and release. In depression altered monoamine neurotransmitter levels including serotonin and dopamine involve VMAT2 dysfunction. The protein is not only connected to these diseases through its own function but also through its interactions with DAT and SERT which are key players in these disorders.