Solute carrier family 18 member B1 (SLC18B1)

Solute carrier family 18 member B1 (SLC18B1), also referred to as the vesicular polyamine transporter (VPAT), is a membrane protein belonging to the major facilitator superfamily. It is responsible for the ATP-dependent and proton gradient-driven transport of polyamines, primarily spermine and spermidine, into secretory vesicles of neurons, astrocytes, and mast cells. This action regulates the vesicular storage and release of polyamines, critical for neuronal plasticity, glutamatergic transmission, memory formation, and mast cell degranulation. Disruption of the SLC18B1 gene in rodents results in reduced vesicular polyamine content and behavioral deficits, especially in learning and memory. The transporter is widely expressed in brain regions including the hippocampus and is phylogenetically related to other vesicular neurotransmitter transporters such as VMAT and VAChT. No approved therapeutic drugs directly target SLC18B1 as of now, though reserpine is used in experimental settings to block its activity.

Other names

VPATSLC18B1dJ55C23.6C6orf192

Inhibition of polyamine uptake into secretory vesicles by blocking the transporter (as shown by reserpine in research) Modulation of synaptic polyamine levels, impacting neurotransmitter function and neuronal plasticity ATP-dependent, proton antiport mechanism (transport uses proton gradient)