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Updated: Apr 22, 2026

Targeted Next-generation Sequencing and Bioinformatics Pipeline to Evaluate Genetic Determinants of Constitutional Disease
Published on: April 4, 2018
SLC6A3 coding variant Ala559Val found in two autism probands alters dopamine transporter function and trafficking.
E Bowton1, C Saunders2, I A Reddy1
11] Departments of Molecular Physiology and Biophysics, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA [2] Vanderbilt Brain Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN, USA.
A rare variant of the dopamine transporter (DAT), hDAT A559V, is linked to autism spectrum disorder (ASD) due to impaired trafficking. This variant disrupts dopamine regulation and presents a potential therapeutic target for ASD.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Dopamine transporter (DAT) dysfunction is implicated in autism spectrum disorder (ASD) pathophysiology.
- A rare human DAT (hDAT) variant, A559V, previously linked to ADHD and bipolar disorder, shows hyper-phosphorylation and anomalous dopamine efflux.
- This study investigates the novel identification of hDAT A559V in ASD subjects and its associated cellular mechanisms.
Purpose of the Study:
- To elucidate the mechanistic basis of impaired hDAT A559V trafficking in ASD.
- To investigate the role of protein kinase C beta (PKCβ) in hDAT A559V trafficking.
- To explore the functional consequences of hDAT A559V on dopamine transport and amphetamine interactions.
Main Methods:
- Investigated hDAT A559V trafficking in response to amphetamine (AMPH) in cellular models.
- Assessed the impact of altered protein kinase C beta (PKCβ) activity on hDAT A559V trafficking and phosphorylation.
- Utilized site-directed mutagenesis of N-terminal serine residues to restore trafficking and dopamine efflux.
Main Results:
- hDAT A559V exhibits resistance to AMPH-induced cell surface redistribution, a phenotype linked to constitutively elevated PKCβ activity.
- Inhibition of PKCβ or mutation of N-terminal serine residues restores AMPH-induced trafficking and dopamine efflux.
- hDAT A559V demonstrates diminished AMPH transport capacity, leading to intracellular AMPH accumulation and reduced dopamine efflux.
Conclusions:
- The hDAT A559V variant presents a novel cellular phenotype of impaired trafficking, contributing to dysregulated dopamine function in ASD.
- Altered PKCβ activity is a key mechanism underlying the trafficking defect of hDAT A559V.
- Targeting PKCβ offers a potential therapeutic strategy for individuals with ASD carrying the hDAT A559V variant.
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