Vesicular monoamine transporter 2 (VMAT2) is a member of the SLC18 family of transporters that is encoded by SLC18A2 in humans.1 VMAT2 is expressed in monoaminergic neurons of the central and peripheral nervous systems and localizes to synaptic vesicles where it transports cytosolic dopamine (DA), serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine (NE), and histamine into synaptic vesicles, regulating cytoplasmic levels and exocytosis of monoamine neurotransmitters. It consists of 12 transmembrane helices, which contain a luminal loop subject to N-glycosylation, as well as cytoplasmic N- and C-terminal domains that regulate monoamine transport and VMAT2 localization, respectively.2 Homozygous knockout of Slc18a2 completely eliminates brain DA, 5-HT, and NE and induces postnatal lethality in mice.3 Slc18a2+/- mice exhibit increased apomorphine-, cocaine-, amphetamine-, or ethanol-induced horizontal locomotor activity compared to wild-type mice. Slc18a2 overexpression decreases immobility time in the forced swim test and marble burying in mice.4 Slc18a2 overexpression also reduces the loss of dopaminergic neurons in a mouse model of Parkinson's disease induced by MPTP. SNPs in SLC18A2 have been found in individuals with bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, drug addiction, and Parkinson's disease.1 Cayman's VMAT2 (C-Term) Polyclonal Antibody can be used for Western blot (WB) applications. The antibody recognizes VMAT2 at approximately 57 kDa from human and rat samples.WARNING This product is not for human or veterinary use.
