Abstract
We review the basic science of the dopamine transporter (DAT), a key neurotransmitter for locomotor control and reward systems, including those lost or deranged in Parkinson's disease (PD). Physiology, pharmaceutical features, expression, cDNA, protein structure/function relationships, and phosphorylation and regulation are discussed. The localization of DAT provides the best marker for the integrity of just the presynaptic dopaminergic systems that are most affected in PD. Its function is key for the actions of several toxins that provide some of the best current models for idiopathic parkinsonism, and its variation can clearly alter movement. The wealth of information about this interesting molecule that has been developed over the last 12 years has led to increased interest in DAT among workers interested in both normal and abnormal movement.
Original language | English (US) |
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Journal | Movement disorders : official journal of the Movement Disorder Society |
Volume | 18 |
Issue number | SUPPL. 7 |
DOIs | |
State | Published - 2003 |
Externally published | Yes |
Keywords
- Localization
- Neurotransmitter
- Parkinson's disease
ASJC Scopus subject areas
- Clinical Neurology
- General Neuroscience