SLC6A11
Description
The SLC6A11 (solute carrier family 6 member 11) is a protein-coding gene located on chromosome 3.
The GABA transporter type 3 (GAT3), encoded by the SLC6A11 gene, uses sodium (Na+) electrochemical gradients to mediate uptake of GABA from the synaptic cleft by surrounding glial cells. Subtype-selective GAT3 inhibitors have been known since 2015. The transporter and its effect on GABA concentrations in the amygdala have been implicated in alcoholism. In rat studies, reduction of GAT3 caused rats that formerly preferred sugar to prefer alcohol. Furthermore, studies of deceased alcoholics show a decreased concentration of GAT3 in their brains.
SLC6A11 mediates sodium- and chloride-dependent transport of gamma- aminobutyric acid (GABA) (PubMed:7874447). It also can mediate transport of beta-alanine and to a lesser extent taurine and hypotaurine (By similarity). {ECO:0000250|UniProtKB:P31650, ECO:0000269|PubMed:7874447}
SLC6A11 is also known as GAT-3, GAT3, GAT4.
