Slc32a1
Function
Antiporter that exchanges vesicular protons for cytosolic 4-aminobutanoate or to a lesser extend glycine, thus allowing their secretion from nerve terminals (PubMed:16701208, PubMed:26912364, PubMed:27601664, PubMed:9395291). The transport is equally dependent on the chemical and electrical components of the proton gradient (PubMed:27601664, PubMed:9395291). May also transport beta-alanine (By similarity). Acidification of GABAergic synaptic vesicles is a prerequisite for 4-aminobutanoate uptake (PubMed:27601664).
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the amino acid/polyamine transporter 2 family.
Tissue Specificity
Brain and retina. Localized in horizontal cell tips at both rod and cone terminals.
Cellular localization
- Cytoplasmic vesicle membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
- Presynapse
- Presents in glycine-, GABA- or GABA- and glycine-containing boutons.
Alternative names
Vgat, Viaat, Slc32a1, Vesicular inhibitory amino acid transporter, Solute carrier family 32 member 1, Vesicular GABA and glycine transporter, Vesicular GABA transporter, mVGAT, mVIAAT