Synuclein modulation of monoamine transporters

Although well-studied in the context of neurodegenerative disease, a clear biological function for the synuclein proteins remains elusive. Emerging data indicate a role for synucleins in monoamine neurotransmitter homeostasis. A key regulatory component of monoamine neurotransmission is re-uptake of neurotransmitter by the dopamine transporter, norepinephrine transporter, and serotonin transporter, which are common drug targets in the treatment of depression and other mood disorders. Through interactions with these transporters, the neuronal cytoskeleton, and pre-synaptic scaffolding proteins, alpha-synuclein, beta-synuclein, and gamma-synuclein modulate trafficking, expression and function of monoamine transporters at the cell surface, thus playing a central role in regulating monoamine re-uptake. (C) 2011 Federation of European Biochemical Societies. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.