Monoamine transporter (with three canonical members: Dopamine transporter, Norepinephrine transporter, Serotonin transporter) (MAT (also DAT, NET, SERT for specific subtypes))

Monoamine transporters are membrane proteins responsible for the reuptake of monoamine neurotransmitters—dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin—from the synaptic cleft into presynaptic neurons, thereby regulating neurotransmitter levels and controlling synaptic signaling duration and strength. These transporters are key pharmacological targets for antidepressants, psychostimulants, and drugs used in treating neuropsychiatric and neurodegenerative disorders. The term “monoamine reuptake” specifically refers to the function by which these proteins operate. Drugs that inhibit monoamine reuptake increase extracellular monoamine concentrations, leading to enhanced neurotransmission and various therapeutic or psychoactive effects.

Other names

Monoamine transporterMonoamine reuptake transporterMATSLC6 family transporterNa⁺/Cl⁻-dependent neurotransmitter transporter

Inhibition of transporter-mediated reuptake, leading to increased extracellular monoamine concentration; Competitive or non-competitive binding at the transporter site; Substrate reversal (e.g. amphetamines can cause net release via “reverse transport”)