Vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1)

Vesicular glutamate transporter 1 (VGLUT1) is a membrane-embedded protein encoded by the SLC17A7 gene that localizes to synaptic vesicles in excitatory neurons and mediates uptake of glutamate—the main excitatory neurotransmitter in the CNS—into vesicles for release during synaptic transmission[4][5][8]. It functions as a proton-dependent glutamate exchanger, utilizing the vesicular proton gradient to drive glutamate import while also mediating transport of other ions such as chloride, potassium, sodium, and phosphate, albeit with different mechanisms or stoichiometries[1][10]. VGLUT1 is structurally and mechanistically distinct from plasma membrane glutamate transporters (EAATs), is essential for proper synaptic function, and its expression is considered a hallmark of glutamatergic neurons[4][5][8]. Alterations in VGLUT1 function or expression have been implicated in a variety of neurological and psychiatric disorders, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, and certain neurodegenerative diseases[4]. There are currently no clinically used drugs specifically targeting VGLUT1, but several research compounds can inhibit its function[10].

Other names

SLC17A7Solute carrier family 17 member 7BNPI

Inhibition leads to decreased packaging of glutamate into synaptic vesicles, reducing excitatory neurotransmission