Slc18a3
Function
Electrogenic antiporter that exchanges one cholinergic neurotransmitter, acetylcholine or choline, with two intravesicular protons across the membrane of synaptic vesicles. Uses the electrochemical proton gradient established by the V-type proton-pump ATPase to store neurotransmitters inside the vesicles prior to their release via exocytosis (By similarity). Determines cholinergic vesicular quantal size at presynaptic nerve terminals in developing neuro-muscular junctions with an impact on motor neuron differentiation and innervation pattern (By similarity) (PubMed:19635813). Part of forebrain cholinergic system, regulates hippocampal synapse transmissions that underlie spatial memory formation (PubMed:23045697). Can transport serotonin.
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the major facilitator superfamily. Vesicular transporter family.
Tissue Specificity
Expressed in the spinal cord, brain (excluding the cerebellum), brain stem and cholinergic tissues. Not expressed in peripheral tissues such as liver and kidney.
Cellular localization
- Cytoplasmic vesicle
- Secretory vesicle
- Synaptic vesicle membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
Alternative names
Vacht, Slc18a3, Vesicular acetylcholine transporter, VAChT, Solute carrier family 18 member 3