Title: The SLC32 transporter, a key protein for the synaptic release of inhibitory amino acids.
Authors: Gasnier, Bruno
Abstract: The SLC32 family comprises a single member: the vesicular inhibitory amino acid transporter (VIAAT) or vesicular GABA transporter (VGAT). It belongs to a eukaryotic-specific superfamily of H -coupled amino acid transporters, which also comprises the mammalian SLC36 and SLC38 transporters. VIAAT exchanges GABA or glycine for protons. It is present on synaptic vesicles of GABAergic and glycinergic neurons, and in some endocrine cells, where it ensures the H -ATPase-driven uptake, and subsequent exocytotic release, of inhibitory amino acids. Despite a similar function in vesicular neurotransmitter loading, VIAAT is not related to the vesicular glutamate transporter (VGLUT, SLC17) or the vesicular monoamine transporter/vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VMAT/VACHT, SLC18) proteins.
Subjects: AMINO acid neurotransmitters; PROTEINS; GABA; AMINOBUTYRIC acid; NERVOUS system; ADENOSINE triphosphatase
Publication: Pflügers Archiv: European Journal of Physiology, 2004, Vol 447, Issue 5, p756
ISSN: 0031-6768
Publication type: Academic Journal
DOI: 10.1007/s00424-003-1091-2

The SLC32 transporter, a key protein for the synaptic release of inhibitory amino acids.

Gasnier, Bruno