Slc6a3
Function
Mediates sodium- and chloride-dependent transport of dopamine (PubMed:10375632, PubMed:12606774). Also mediates sodium- and chloride-dependent transport of norepinephrine (also known as noradrenaline) (By similarity). Regulator of light-dependent retinal hyaloid vessel regression, downstream of OPN5 signaling (PubMed:30936473).
Sequence Similarities
Belongs to the sodium:neurotransmitter symporter (SNF) (TC 2.A.22) family. SLC6A3 subfamily.
Tissue Specificity
Found in the substantia nigra and ventral tegmental dopamine neurons, in fibers of the medial forebrain bundle ascending into the striatum, and within dense fiber networks and varicosities in the dorsal and ventral striatum (at protein level) (PubMed:17296554, PubMed:19357284). Lower expression in the cortex (at protein level) (PubMed:19357284). Absent from the corpus callosum (PubMed:19357284). Expressed throughout the retina at postnatal day 8 (PubMed:30936473).
Cellular localization
- Cell membrane
- Multi-pass membrane protein
- Cell projection
- Neuron projection
- Cell projection
- Axon
- Localizes to neurite tips in neuronal cells (By similarity). Colocalizes with SEPTIN4 at axon terminals, especially at the varicosities (PubMed:17296554).
Alternative names
Dat, Dat1, Slc6a3, Sodium-dependent dopamine transporter, DA transporter, DAT, Solute carrier family 6 member 3