SLC6A12

SLC6A12, also known as solute carrier family 6 member 12, is a protein that in humans is encoded by the SLC6A12 gene. This gene is located on chromosome 12q24.31. SLC6A12 is a member of the solute carrier family 6, which is involved in the transport of various substances across cell membranes. Specifically, SLC6A12 is a serotonin transporter, which plays a crucial role in the reuptake of serotonin from the synaptic cleft, thereby terminating the action of serotonin at the synapse. This process is essential for maintaining normal serotonin levels in the brain and is a key target for many antidepressant medications. Mutations in the SLC6A12 gene have been associated with various psychiatric disorders, including major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and anxiety disorders. The protein encoded by this gene is localized to the plasma membrane and is involved in the transport of serotonin across the cell membrane. The exact mechanism by which mutations in this gene lead to psychiatric disorders is not fully understood, but it is believed to be related to altered serotonin signaling in the brain. Further research is needed to fully elucidate the role of SLC6A12 in psychiatric disorders and to develop targeted therapies for these conditions.