Solute carrier family 18 member 2 (Vesicular monoamine transporter 2) (SLC18A2)

Solute carrier family 18 member 2, widely known as Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2 (VMAT2), is a transmembrane protein that plays a pivotal role in the central nervous system by transporting monoamine neurotransmitters—including dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and histamine—from the cytosol into synaptic vesicles (UniProt: P35439). This transport mechanism is powered by a proton gradient generated by V-type ATPases and is crucial for protecting these neurotransmitters from metabolic degradation by monoamine oxidase (PubMed: 29055358). By sequestering monoamines, VMAT2 ensures their availability for exocytotic release and regulates the intensity of monoaminergic signaling (NCBI Gene: 6571). Clinically, VMAT2 is a major therapeutic target; its inhibition by drugs like valbenazine and deutetrabenazine is used to treat hyperkinetic movement disorders such as tardive dyskinesia and Huntington's chorea by reducing synaptic dopamine levels (StatPearls: NBK546659). However, because VMAT2 is essential for maintaining mood-regulating neurotransmitters, its inhibition can lead to adverse effects such as depression and parkinsonism (PubMed: 28832270).

Other names

Vesicular monoamine transporter 2VMAT2Monoamine transporterVAT2SVAT

Reversible or irreversible inhibition of the VMAT2 transporter, which prevents the translocation of monoamines from the cytoplasm into synaptic vesicles, leading to the depletion of neurotransmitters like dopamine at the synapse (PubMed: 28832270).