GABA transporter 3 (GAT3)

GABA transporter 3 (GAT3; encoded by SLC6A11) is a sodium- and chloride-dependent neurotransmitter transporter that mediates the uptake of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA), the principal inhibitory neurotransmitter in the central nervous system, from the synaptic cleft into astrocytes and some neurons. GAT3 thereby plays a critical role in terminating GABAergic neurotransmission and regulating extracellular GABA concentrations. It is distinct from other GABA transporters by its astrocytic expression and pharmacological properties; it can also transport β-alanine. GAT3 is a drug target for neurological and neurodegenerative disorders, and selective inhibitors such as SNAP-5114 block GABA uptake by binding to its orthosteric site in the inward-open conformation of the transporter[2][5][6][7].

Other names

SLC6A11GAT-3Gamma-aminobutyric acid transporter 3Sodium- and chloride-dependent GABA transporter 3

Inhibition of GABA reuptake (by blocking GAT3, increasing GABA levels in the synaptic cleft) - Selective (noncompetitive) antagonism at the GAT3 orthosteric site [2][5]