Dopamine transporter, known as DAT and encoded by the SLC6A3 gene, is a membrane protein that is responsible for the termination of neurotransmissions using dopamine by facilitating the rapid reuptake of dopamine from the synaptic cleft back into the presynaptic cell. The SLC6A3 gene encoding the dopamine transporter protein has been the subject of numerous research studies on its affects concerning disorders such as; ADHD, Juvenile myoclonic epilepsy, nicotine dependence, migraines, infantile parkinsonism-dystonia, and bipolar disorder. More research must be done however in order to determine the biological mechanism of DAT regulation, as our knowledge of the control of the DAT protein is incomplete.
While varying levels of DAT1 expression are said to be at the root of ADHD and even Heroin addiction, studies have yet to show a conclusive link between the two. Many studies have focused on the variable tandem repeat at the 3’ end of the gene as a cause of various psychological disorders and risk for ADHD. Findings indicate that dopaminergic polymorphisms affect selective aspects of attention as early as infancy.
Alcohol dependence and withdrawal have also been a topic of study in relation to the SLC6A3 gene, with several studies showing association between some polymorphisms of the DAT gene and the occurrence of withdrawal seizures in alcohol-dependent persons.
A DAT1 gene polymorphism has been linked to everything from smoking behavior, alcohol dependence, and ADHD issues by altering synaptic dopamine levels, and research will continue to determine the exact mechanisms and causes for these behavioral issues.
This video discusses correlations between dopamine transporters and ADHD as well as other disorders.
