SLC17A6
Description
The SLC17A6 (solute carrier family 17 member 6) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 11.
SLC17A6, also known as VGluT2, is a multifunctional transporter that mediates the transport of L-glutamate and various ions including chloride, proton, potassium, sodium, and phosphate. At the synaptic vesicle membrane, SLC17A6 primarily acts as a uniporter, transporting L-glutamate and phosphate from the cytoplasm into synaptic vesicles within presynaptic nerve terminals of excitatory neurons. This uniporter activity is electrogenic and relies on the proton electrochemical gradient, driven by the electrical gradient established by the vacuolar H(+)-ATPase across the synaptic vesicle membrane. Additionally, SLC17A6 functions as a chloride channel, facilitating chloride permeation through the synaptic vesicle membrane, thereby influencing the proton electrochemical gradient and promoting synaptic vesicle acidification. Furthermore, SLC17A6 acts as a vesicular K(+)/H(+) antiport, contributing to the maintenance of the electrical gradient, reduction of the chemical gradient, and consequently, sustained vesicular glutamate uptake. The vesicular H(+)/H(+) antiport activity is electroneutral. Upon exocytosis at the plasma membrane, SLC17A6 serves as a symporter for Na(+) and phosphate, transporting them from the extracellular space into the cytoplasm, potentially regulating synaptic phosphate homeostasis. This symporter activity is driven by an inside-negative membrane potential and is electrogenic. SLC17A6 is also involved in the regulation of retinal hyaloid vessel regression during postnatal development. It might play a role in the endocrine glutamatergic system of other tissues like the pineal gland and pancreas.
SLC17A6 is also known as DNPI, VGLUT2.
