Monoamine transporter

A membrane protein that moves monoamine neurotransmitters across cell membranes. Presynaptic transporters commonly clear released neurotransmitters from synapses and recycle them into neurons.

Dopamine transporter: A membrane protein that clears dopamine from synapses by transporting it into presynaptic neurons. It is the principal neuronal uptake route for dopamine.
Neurotransmitter: A chemical messenger released by neurons to influence other cells. Monoamine transporters move neurotransmitters rather than synthesizing them.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor: A drug that inhibits the serotonin transporter and increases extracellular serotonin availability. These medicines act by blocking a monoamine transporter selectively.
Monoamine oxidase: An enzyme that breaks down monoamine neurotransmitters through oxidative deamination. It removes monoamines by metabolism rather than membrane transport.
Norepinephrine transporter: A membrane protein that transports norepinephrine from synapses into presynaptic neurons. It terminates much norepinephrine signaling through presynaptic reuptake.
Monoamine: An organic compound containing one amino group attached to an aromatic ring. The transported molecules share this chemical structure.
Tricyclic antidepressant: An antidepressant drug class that commonly inhibits serotonin and norepinephrine transporters. Transporter blockade is a central action of many tricyclics.
Catechol-O-methyltransferase: An enzyme that metabolizes catecholamine neurotransmitters by transferring a methyl group. It degrades catecholamines rather than returning them to neurons.
Serotonin transporter: A membrane protein that transports serotonin from synapses into presynaptic neurons. It performs serotonin reuptake through the same transporter family.
Electrochemical gradient: A difference in ion concentration and electrical potential across a membrane. Transporters exploit these gradients to drive substrate movement.

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