Vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2)

Vesicular glutamate transporter 2 (VGLUT2) is a membrane protein belonging to the solute carrier family 17, encoded by the SLC17A6 gene. It is primarily expressed in neuronal synaptic vesicles where it mediates the storage of glutamate, the major excitatory neurotransmitter, by transporting cytosolic glutamate into vesicles in preparation for synaptic release. VGLUT2 relies on the membrane potential (ΔΨ) and requires allosteric activation by protons (H⁺) and chloride ions (Cl⁻). It also exhibits a Cl⁻-conductance mechanism and, in certain contexts, can mediate Na⁺-dependent inorganic phosphate uptake, although its primary function is related to glutamate transport. Dysfunction or altered regulation of VGLUT2 is implicated in numerous CNS disorders characterized by abnormal excitatory neurotransmission, including epilepsy, schizophrenia, neurodegenerative diseases, and pain syndromes.

Other names

SLC17A6VGLUT2VGluT2DNPIVesicular glutamate transporter 2Differentiation-associated BNPIDifferentiation-associated Na(+)-dependent inorganic phosphate cotransporterSolute carrier family 17 member 6BNPI

For inhibitors: Block VGLUT2-mediated vesicular glutamate uptake, decreasing synaptic glutamate release and excitatory neurotransmission