Norepinephrine and Dopamine Transporters (NET and DAT)

The norepinephrine transporter (NET, encoded by SLC6A2) and the dopamine transporter (DAT, encoded by SLC6A3) are closely related, integral membrane proteins in the SLC6 family of sodium- and chloride-dependent neurotransmitter transporters[2][5][6][7]. Both possess 12 transmembrane domains, are expressed primarily in noradrenergic (NET) and dopaminergic (DAT) neurons, and function to clear their respective neurotransmitters—norepinephrine or dopamine—from the synaptic cleft, terminating their signaling and maintaining homeostasis[2][3][5]. These transporters are critical in CNS physiology and are implicated in the pathophysiology of mood disorders, ADHD, drug addiction, and chronic pain. Many antidepressants, psychostimulants, and drugs of abuse act by inhibiting these transporters, underscoring their therapeutic and clinical importance[3][4][5][6][7]. For structured data purposes, it is highly recommended to separate into two entries: one for the norepinephrine transporter (canonical: “Norepinephrine transporter (NET)”), and one for the dopamine transporter (canonical: “Dopamine transporter (DAT)”).

Other names

Norepinephrine reuptake transporterNoradrenaline transporterSolute carrier family 6 member 2 (SLC6A2)Dopamine reuptake transporterSolute carrier family 6 member 3 (SLC6A3)

Inhibition of transporter function (blockade of NE or DA reuptake); Elevation of extracellular norepinephrine or dopamine levels, potentiating synaptic signaling; Dual-acting drugs may affect both NET and DAT (and sometimes SERT)