Dopamine transporter

Dopamine transporter

The Dopamine transporter (also known as DAT) is a protein that is responsible for the reuptake of dopamine in the brain. It is encoded by the SLC6A3 gene.

Pronunciation

Dopamine transporter is pronounced as /doʊˈpæmɪn ˈtrænspɔːrtər/.

Etymology

The term "Dopamine" is derived from its chemical name: 3,4-dihydroxyphenethylamine, and "transporter" refers to the protein's function of transporting dopamine from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic neuron.

Function

The dopamine transporter acts to transport dopamine from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic neuron. This process terminates the signal of the neurotransmitter. Dopamine underlies several aspects of cognition, including reward, and DAT facilitates regulation of that signal.

Clinical significance

Alterations in the dopamine transporter can have significant impact on mental health. Several diseases, including ADHD, bipolar disorder, depression, and substance abuse are associated with altered dopamine transporter.

Related terms

• Dopamine
• Neurotransmitter
• Synaptic cleft
• Presynaptic neuron
• ADHD
• Bipolar disorder
• Depression
• Substance abuse

External links

• Medical encyclopedia article on Dopamine transporter
• Wikipedia's article - Dopamine transporter

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