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Published on: April 3, 2014
Regulation of the dopamine transporter by phosphorylation
J D Foster1, M A Cervinski, B K Gorentla
1Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, 501 North Columbia Road, Grand Forks, ND 58203, USA.
Handbook of Experimental Pharmacology
|May 26, 2006
Summary
Dopamine transporter (DAT) phosphorylation regulates its activity and trafficking, impacting synaptic dopamine levels. Understanding these mechanisms may reveal new therapeutic targets for dopaminergic disorders.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Molecular Biology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- The dopamine transporter (DAT) regulates synaptic dopamine levels by reuptaking dopamine.
- DAT activity and cell surface expression are crucial for drug actions and dopamine signaling.
- DAT undergoes rapid trafficking between the plasma membrane and endosomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the current understanding of DAT phosphorylation.
- To explore the relationship between DAT phosphorylation, activity, and trafficking.
- To identify potential therapeutic targets for dopaminergic disorders.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of DAT phosphorylation and trafficking studies.
- Analysis of regulatory mechanisms involving kinases, phosphatases, and substrates.
- Discussion of adaptive changes in DAT function induced by drugs.
Main Results:
- DAT phosphorylation is modulated by kinase activators, phosphatase inhibitors, and substrates.
- Protein kinase C influences DAT trafficking.
- Psychostimulants and therapeutic blockers induce complex adaptive changes in DAT function.
Conclusions:
- Phosphorylation plays a significant role in regulating DAT activity and trafficking.
- Further research into DAT phosphorylation mechanisms is needed.
- Understanding DAT regulation may lead to novel therapeutic strategies for dopaminergic disorders.
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