Gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) is a major inhibitory neurotransmitter. GABAergic neurotransmission is terminated by the uptake of GABA into the presynaptic terminal and the surrounding astroglial cells by sodium-dependent transporters, such as SLC6A11 (Borden et al., 1994 [PubMed 7874447]).[supplied by OMIM].
GABA transporters are sodium- and chloride-dependent members of the solute carrier family 6 (SLC6) that mediate the rapid removal of GABA and maintain low extracellular levels. Four 12-TM domain transporters (GAT-1, GAT-2, GAT-3 and BGT-1) have been identified and localized to neurons and glia. While GAT-1, GAT-2, GAT-3 and BGT-1 bind GABA with varying affinities, they share structural motifs including 12-TM domains, extracellular glycosylation sites and intracellular consensus sites for phosphorylation. A vesicular transporter (VGAT) has also been identified. This member of the SCL32 family is both structurally and functionally distinct, containing 10-TM domains and being found in GABAergic and glycinergic neurons. Some anticonvulsants have been reported to act upon the GABA transporters. There is evidence to suggest that GABA transporters are linked to epilepsy, affective disorders and schizophrenia.