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The dopamine transporter gene (SLC6A3) variable number of tandem repeats domain enhances transcription in dopamine neurons
Author(s) -
Michelhaugh Sharon K.,
Fiskerstrand Carolyn,
Lovejoy Elizabeth,
Ban Michael J.,
Quinn John P.
Publication year - 2001
Publication title -
journal of neurochemistry
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.75
H-Index - 229
eISSN - 1471-4159
pISSN - 0022-3042
DOI - 10.1046/j.1471-4159.2001.00647.x
Subject(s) - dopamine transporter , variable number tandem repeat , enhancer , biology , tandem repeat , genetics , dopaminergic , gene , dopamine , dopamine plasma membrane transport proteins , transcription factor , neuroscience , transporter , allele , genome
The dopamine (DAT) and serotonin (SERT) transporter genes both contain variable number of tandem repeats (VNTR) in non‐coding gene regions which have been correlated with a predisposition to a variety of CNS disorders. There is considerable homology between individual DAT and SERT repeat DNA sequences, which is reflected in their ability to compete with each other for specific protein binding as demonstrated by electrophoretic mobility shift assay. The SERT VNTR has recently been shown to act as a transcriptional enhancer. Because of the similarities between SERT and DAT VNTRs, the DAT VNTR may also enhance transcription. This study demonstrates by lipid transfection into an immortalized dopaminergic cell line and biolistic transfection into dopamine neurons in neonatal rat midbrain slices that the human nine‐repeat DAT VNTR can enhance transcription. This enhancing activity suggests that the DAT VNTR may play a role in regulation of DAT gene expression.