The dopamine transporter role in psychiatric phenotypes

• Published in: American journal of medical genetics. Part B, Neuropsychiatric genetics Vol. 177; no. 2; pp. 211 - 231
• Main Authors: Salatino‐Oliveira, Angélica, Rohde, Luis A., Hutz, Mara H.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Wiley Subscription Services, Inc 01.03.2018
• Subjects: Animal models; Animals; DAT; Disease Models, Animal; Dopamine; Dopamine - genetics; Dopamine - metabolism; Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins - genetics; Dopamine Plasma Membrane Transport Proteins - metabolism; Dopamine transporter; functionality; Genetics; Humans; Membrane proteins; Mental disorders; Mental Disorders - genetics; Mental Disorders - metabolism; Neuroimaging; Phenotype; psychiatric disorders; SLC6A3; genetics; functionality; DAT; SLC6A3; psychiatric disorders
• ISSN: 1552-4841; 1552-485X
• DOI: 10.1002/ajmg.b.32578

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.