Slc17a8
Developmental stage
Expression peaks at P7 in the brain. Expressed in inner hair cells from 19 dpc onwards.
Function
Multifunctional transporter that transports L-glutamate as well as multiple ions such as chloride, sodium and phosphate (PubMed:12384506, PubMed:18080752, PubMed:18215623). At the synaptic vesicle membrane, mainly functions as an uniporter that mediates the uptake of L-glutamate into synaptic vesicles at presynaptic nerve terminals of excitatory neural cells (PubMed:12384506, PubMed:18080752, PubMed:18215623). The L-glutamate uniporter activity is electrogenic and is driven by the proton electrochemical gradient, mainly by the electrical gradient established by the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase across the synaptic vesicle membrane (PubMed:12384506). In addition, functions as a chloride channel that allows a chloride permeation through the synaptic vesicle membrane that affects the proton electrochemical gradient and promotes synaptic vesicles acidification (By similarity). At the plasma membrane, following exocytosis, functions as a symporter of Na(+) and phosphate from the extracellular space to the cytoplasm allowing synaptic phosphate homeostasis regulation (By similarity). The symporter activity is electrogenic (By similarity). Moreover, operates synergistically with SLC18A3/VACHT under a constant H(+) gradient, thereby allowing striatal vesicular acetylcholine uptake (PubMed:18278042).
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the major facilitator superfamily. Sodium/anion cotransporter family. VGLUT subfamily.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in restricted areas of the brain. Highest expression is found in the neurons of the basal forebrain, the hippocampal formation, and the majority of the neurons of the mesencephalic raphe nuclei. Expressed in inner hair cells of the ear.
Cellular localization
- Cytoplasmic vesicle
- Secretory vesicle
- Synaptic vesicle membrane
- Cell membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
- Synapse
- Synaptosome
Alternative names
Vglut3, Gerp, Rnf27, Trim8, Vesicular glutamate transporter 3, VGluT3, Solute carrier family 17 member 8