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The dopamine transporter role in psychiatric phenotypes
Author(s) -
SalatinoOliveira Angélica,
Rohde Luis A.,
Hutz Mara H.
Publication year - 2018
Publication title -
american journal of medical genetics part b: neuropsychiatric genetics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.393
H-Index - 126
eISSN - 1552-485X
pISSN - 1552-4841
DOI - 10.1002/ajmg.b.32578
Subject(s) - dopamine transporter , dopamine , neuroscience , neuroimaging , phenotype , transporter , neurotransmitter transporter , neurotransmitter , neuropsychology , psychology , dopamine plasma membrane transport proteins , biology , gene , medicine , dopaminergic , genetics , cognition , central nervous system
The dopamine transporter (DAT) is one of the most relevant and investigated neurotransmitter transporters. DAT is a plasma membrane protein which plays a homeostatic role, controlling both extracellular and intracellular concentrations of dopamine (DA). Since unbalanced DA levels are known to be involved in numerous mental disorders, a wealth of investigations has provided valuable insights concerning DAT role into normal brain functioning and pathological processes. Briefly, this extensive but non‐systematic review discusses what is recently known about the role of SLC6A3 gene which encodes the dopamine transporter in psychiatric phenotypes. DAT protein, SLC6A3 gene, animal models, neuropsychology, and neuroimaging investigations are also concisely discussed. To conclude, current challenges are reviewed in order to provide perspectives for future studies.