Dopamine and serotonin transporters (DAT/SERT)

The dopamine and serotonin transporters (DAT and SERT) are integral membrane proteins belonging to the solute carrier family 6 (SLC6) that regulate the intensity and duration of monoaminergic signaling in the central nervous system [5, 10]. DAT (SLC6A3) is primarily responsible for the reuptake of dopamine from the synaptic cleft into presynaptic neurons, while SERT (SLC6A4) performs the same function for serotonin [2, 5]. Together, these transporters maintain monoamine homeostasis and are critical for the regulation of mood, reward, motivation, and motor function [2, 21]. Dysregulation of these transporters is implicated in a wide range of neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative conditions, including major depressive disorder, ADHD, and Parkinson's disease [3, 21, 22]. Pharmacological modulation of DAT and SERT is a cornerstone of psychiatric treatment; drugs such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) target SERT, while stimulants like methylphenidate target DAT [10, 12, 16]. Dual or triple reuptake inhibitors that target both transporters are used or being developed to provide broader therapeutic efficacy in depression and obesity [13, 15].

Other names

SLC6A3 and SLC6A4Monoamine transportersDAT and SERTSodium-dependent dopamine and serotonin transporters

Inhibition of the reuptake of dopamine and serotonin from the synaptic cleft into the presynaptic neuron, thereby increasing the concentration and duration of these neurotransmitters in the synapse [6, 10].