User:HRockwell/Monoamine transporter

Monoamine transporters (MATs) are responsible for the reuptake of monoamines (aromatic rings containing an amine group), such as nor-epinephrine, epinephrine, dopamine, and 5-HT (Serotonin), in the brain. The primary function of MATs is to maintain a homeostatic balance between neurotransmitters inside pre-synaptic neurons and the concentration of MA neurotransmitters in the synaptic cleft. The current Wikipedia page provides links to four types of MATs and contains a very brief description of pharmacology associated with MATs. We propose to expand upon this page by including the following the sub-sections:

Function: We intend to include information on monoamines (with appropriate links), the location of MATs within a pre-synaptic neuronal plasma membrane, a general synopsis of how they function and why they are important. Types: The current page lists four types of MATs with links to each correlated Wikipedia page. We plan on keeping the links but also providing a brief description of dopamine transporter (DAT), norepinephrine transporter (NET), the serotonin transporter (SERT), and the less-specific monoamine transporter (PMAT).

Structure and Mechanism: Under this section we plan to describe the secondary and tertiary structure of the four MATs listed under the “types” subsection. We also intend to discuss the role of transporter phosphorylation and the requirement of extracellular Na+ and Cl- ions.

Associated Disorders and Treatments: Monoamine transporters are target sites of pharmaceutical agents used to treat mood disorders. Levels of monoamine transporters have been shown to be altered in numerous psychiatric and neurological disorders including Parkinson’s disease, ADHD, and Depression. Fluoretine (Prozac) and methylphenidate (Ritalin) for treating disorders associated with monoamine transporters. We intend to illuminate the role of MATs in causing these disorders and the therapies used to treat them as well as details on the effects of recreational drug use (cocaine and amphetamines) on MAT function.

Research History: Under this sub-section we intend to discuss the role Julius Axelrod, Susan Amara, as well as other scientists have had in the discovery of MATs and how they function. In this section, we also intend to briefly mention experimental techniques and setups utilized by these scientists throughout their research.

We plan to incorporate various diagrams and images in order to enhance the reader’s understanding of MATs. This would include images of DAT, SERT, NET, and PMAT structures, diagrams of various mechanisms and functions associated with MATs.

References

Gainetdinov, Raul, and Marc Caron. "Monoamine Transporters: From Genes to Behavior." The Annual Review of Pharmacology and Toxicology 43 (2003): 261-264. Print.

Hahn, MK, and RD Blakely. "Monoamine transporter gene structure and polymorphisms in relation to psychiatric and other complex disorders." The Pharmacogenomics Journal 2 (2002): 217-235. Print.

Miller, Gregory. "The emerging role of trace amine-associated receptor 1 in the functional regulation of monoamine transporters and dopaminergic activity." Journal of Neurochemistry 116 (2011): 164-176. Print.

Ramamoorthy, Sammanda, Toni Shippenberg, and Lankupalle Jayanthi. "Regulation of monoamine transporters: Role of transporter phosphorylation." Pharmacology & Therapeutics 129 (2010): 220-238. Print.

Torres, Gonzalo, Raul Gainetdinov, and Marc Caron. "Plasma Membrane Monoamine Transporters: Structure, Regulation and Function." Nature 4 (2003): 13-25. Print.

User:NeuroJoe/BI481_Spring_2011