Neurotransmitter transporters: why dance with so many partners?
Plasma membrane transporters terminate the actions of several small molecule neurotransmitters, including glutamate, gamma-aminobutyric acid, glycine, dopamine, serotonin and norepinephrine. The fact that anti-depressants, cocaine and amphetamines can have such profound behavioral effects by inhibiting the activity of some of these transporters underscores the importance of these molecules. Recent studies have begun to define the mechanisms that regulate these transporters. As these studies progress, it is becoming clear that the transporters form complexes both with themselves and with many other proteins that can regulate either transporter localization or activity. In most cases, the physiological and/or pathological relevance of these interactions is only beginning to emerge.
González
Marco I
MI
Departments of Pediatrics and Pharmacology, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania, 502 N Abramson Pediatric Research Building, 3615 Civic Center Blvd, Philadelphia, PA 19104-4318, USA.
Robinson
Michael B
MB
D000818:Animals; D006801:Humans; D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins / Q000187:drug effects / Q000378:metabolism*; D008959:Models, Neurological; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents / Q000737:chemistry* / Q000378:metabolism*
D026901:Membrane Transport Proteins; D018377:Neurotransmitter Agents