Monoamine transporter (MAT) (MAT)

Monoamine transporters (MATs) are integral membrane proteins that facilitate the reuptake of monoamine neurotransmitters—specifically serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine—from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic terminal. This process is the primary mechanism for terminating neurotransmission and recycling neurotransmitters, thereby regulating the intensity and duration of signaling in the central and peripheral nervous systems [1][6]. The MAT family consists of three primary members: the serotonin transporter (SERT), the norepinephrine transporter (NET), and the dopamine transporter (DAT), all of which belong to the solute carrier 6 (SLC6) gene family [2][3][4]. Dysfunction in monoamine transport is linked to various psychiatric and neurological conditions, including major depressive disorder, anxiety, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and Parkinson's disease [1][6]. As such, MATs are among the most significant targets in psychopharmacology, serving as the primary site of action for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), and psychostimulants [5][6]. These drugs typically function by blocking the transporter's pore, preventing the return of neurotransmitters to the neuron and enhancing their availability at the synapse to modulate mood, cognition, and motor function [1][5].

Other names

Monoamine reuptake transportersMonoamine carriersSLC6 family neurotransmitter transportersMATs

Inhibition of neurotransmitter reuptake from the synaptic cleft into the presynaptic neuron, thereby increasing synaptic neurotransmitter levels [1][6].