SLC18A2

Source: NCBI Gene, accessed 2026-10-07.

Protein

Synaptic vesicular amine transporter

Function

Electrogenic antiporter that exchanges one cationic monoamine with two intravesicular protons across the membrane of secretory and synaptic vesicles. Uses the electrochemical proton gradient established by the V-type proton-pump ATPase to accumulate high concentrations of monoamines inside the vesicles prior to their release via exocytosis. Transports a variety of catecholamines such as dopamine, adrenaline and noradrenaline, histamine, and indolamines such as serotonin. Regulates the transvesicular monoaminergic gradient that determines the quantal size. Mediates somatodendritic dopamine release in hippocampal neurons, likely as part of a regulated secretory pathway that integrates retrograde synaptic signals (By similarity). Acts as a primary transporter for striatal dopamine loading ensuring impulse-dependent release of dopamine at the synaptic cleft (By similarity). Responsible for histamine and serotonin storage and subsequent corelease from mast cell granules.

Subcellular location

Cytoplasmic vesicle, secretory vesicle, synaptic vesicle membrane; Cytoplasmic vesicle, secretory vesicle membrane; Cell projection, axon; Cell projection, dendrite.

Tissue specificity

Expressed in neuronal and neuroendocrine tissues. Detected in central and peripheral nervous system in particular in axonal and dendritic processes in dopaminergic cells of substantia nigra, histaminergic neuronal cell bodies of substantia nigra and tuberomammillary nucleus, in ganglion cells of sympathetic glia and in peripheral sympathetic nerve terminals in stomach and duodenum (at protein level). Highly expressed in chromaffin cells of the adrenal medulla and histamine-storing enterochromaffin-like cells of oxyntic mucosa (at protein level).

Associated conditions

Parkinsonism-dystonia 2, infantile-onset (PKDYS2).

Source: UniProtKB/Swiss-Prot Q05940, release 2026_03, licensed CC BY 4.0. This is the protein’s normal biology, not evidence about post-drug syndromes; associated conditions are inherited disorders of the gene, not PFS, PSSD or PRSD.

Written for the whole drug transporters / neurotransmission family, not for SLC18A2 specifically.