SLC18A2

SLC18A2, also known as vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2), is a protein encoded by the SLC18A2 gene in humans. This gene is located on chromosome 10. VMAT2 is a transmembrane protein that plays a crucial role in the storage and transport of monoamine neurotransmitters within the central nervous system and peripheral tissues.

Specifically, VMAT2 is responsible for sequestering cytoplasmic monoamines, such as dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and histamine, into synaptic vesicles. This process is essential for protecting these neurotransmitters from enzymatic degradation and for their subsequent release into the synaptic cleft upon neuronal stimulation. The activity of VMAT2 is therefore critical for regulating neurotransmission and maintaining proper neurological function.

Dysfunction or altered expression of VMAT2 has been implicated in various neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson's disease, schizophrenia, and depression. Research into VMAT2 has also explored its potential as a therapeutic target for these conditions, with some medications designed to modulate its activity. Genetic variations within the SLC18A2 gene have also been studied for their association with susceptibility to certain disorders and response to treatment.