Target intelligence / Profile preview

Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2 (VMAT2)

Target: VMAT2
Molecular classification: Transporter, Solute carrier family

Overview

VMAT2 is an integral membrane protein responsible for transporting monoamines (dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, and histamine) from the cytosol into synaptic vesicles. This packaging is crucial for regulated neurotransmitter release and also plays a role in sequestering toxicants. It operates as a proton-dependent antiporter, utilizing the proton gradient to drive monoamine uptake. Dysregulation of VMAT2 is implicated in neuropsychiatric disorders like Parkinson’s disease and schizophrenia, making it a target for therapeutic drugs and abused substances.

Other names: SLC18A2

Mechanism of action

Proton-dependent antiporter; uses the proton gradient generated by vesicular H+-ATPase to drive the uptake of monoamines in exchange for protons.

Biological functions

Neurotransmitter transportMonoamine storageSynaptic transmissionToxicant sequestration

Disease associations

Parkinson's diseaseSchizophrenia

Safety considerations

Broad effects on brain chemistry due to non-selective modulation of multiple monoamines.Potential for drug interactions due to interaction with various compounds including therapeutic and recreational substances.

Interacting drugs

Tetrabenazine

4 more in the full profile.

Beyond the preview

Go deeper on Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2 (VMAT2).

Explore the evidence, development activity, and competitive landscape with Gosset’s full data platform.

Drug pipeline

Explore the programs pursuing this target and their development progress.

Drug candidates
Developers
Development stage

Clinical trials

Follow the clinical studies evaluating therapies directed at this target.

Trial design
Status
Readouts

Competitive landscape

Compare approaches across drug candidates, modalities, and indications.

Programs
Modalities
Indications

Literature & evidence

Investigate the research and source evidence behind target biology and development.

Publications
Sources
Analysis

Patents

Explore patent activity around therapies and technologies addressing this target.

Patents
Assignees
Technologies

Research & analysis

Connect target biology, drug development, and emerging evidence in your research.

Biology
Development news
Analysis

Bring the full picture into focus.

See how Gosset can support your research on Vesicular Monoamine Transporter 2 (VMAT2).

Explore the full profile