The dopamine transporter (DAT) is a member of the SLC6 family of transporters and is encoded by the SLC6A3 gene in humans.1,2 DAT is expressed in dopaminergic neurons and localizes to perisynaptic sites, where it functions to translocate the neurotransmitter dopamine (DA; Item No. 21992) into presynaptic neurons from the extracellular space.3,1 It is comprised of 12 transmembrane helices flanked by large cytoplasmic N- and C-terminal tails that are subject to protein-protein interactions with DAT binding proteins as well as posttranslational modifications.1,3 DAT can be phosphorylated by ERK at threonine 53 (Thr53) in vitro.4 Phosphorylation of DAT at Thr53 (phospho-Thr53) is increased in rat striatal synaptosomes in response to phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA; Item No. 10008014), okadaic acid (Item No. 10011490), amphetamine, or methamphetamine.4,5 In vivo, phospho-Thr53 in rat striatum is increased following administration of methamphetamine.5 LLC-PK1 cells expressing rat DAT (rDAT) with non-phosphorylatable or phosphomimetic Thr53 mutations exhibit defects in DA uptake and amphetamine-induced efflux of the substrate [3H]MPP+ compared to cells expressing wild-type rDAT, indicating that phosphorylation of Thr53 has roles in regulating the uptake and efflux functions of DAT.4 Cayman's Dopamine Transporter (Phospho-Thr53) Polyclonal Antibody can be used for Western blot (WB) applications. The antibody recognizes DAT (phospho-Thr53) at approximately 55 kDa from mouse and rat samples.WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
