Sodium- and chloride-dependent glycine transporter 2 (SLC6A5)

Sodium- and chloride-dependent glycine transporter 2 (SLC6A5, GlyT2) is an integral membrane protein primarily expressed in glycinergic neurons and axon terminals within the spinal cord, brain stem, and other regions involved in motor control and sensory processing. It belongs to the solute carrier family 6 (SLC6) of neurotransmitter transporters, which utilize sodium and chloride gradients to drive the high-affinity reuptake of glycine from the synaptic cleft back into presynaptic terminals, thereby terminating glycinergic neurotransmission and maintaining a high cytosolic glycine pool for synaptic vesicle refilling. This function is essential for proper inhibitory neuronal signaling. Pathogenic variants in SLC6A5 cause hereditary hyperekplexia (startle disease), a rare disorder characterized by exaggerated startle responses and in severe cases, neonatal apnea. GlyT2 is considered a potential therapeutic target for modulating glycinergic neurotransmission in pain and movement disorders[2][3][4].

Other names

GlyT2GLYT2NET1GlyT-2HKPX3Solute carrier family 6 member 5Sodium- and chloride-dependent glycine transporter 2glycine transporter 2norepinephrine transporter 1solute carrier family 6 (neurotransmitter transporter, glycine), member 5

Inhibition of glycine reuptake at presynaptic terminals[2]; Modulation of glycinergic neurotransmission[2]