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solute carrier family 18 (vesicular monoamine), member 2
Symbol(s): SLC18A2 VMAT2
Locus: 10 q25
EC number [1]
EntrezGene 6571
OMIM 193001
RefSeq NM_003054
UniProt Q05940

A study by the National Cancer Institute on over 200 subjects (including twins), has identified the VMAT2 gene to correlate to spirituality and religion. It was led by the geneticist Dean Hamer.[1][2]

Impairment and dysfunction[]

Cocaine users display a marked reduction in VMAT2 immunoreactivity. Suffers of cocaine-induced mood disorders displayed a significant loss of VMAT2 immunoreactivity, this might reflect damage to striatal dopamine fibers. These neuronal changes could play a role in causing disordered mood and motivational processes in more severely addicted users.[3]

Binding sites and ligands[]

One binding site is that of DTBZ. Lobeline binds at this site. At a distinct site dextroamphetamine binds. Its activity at VMAT2 is a crucial part of its monoamine releasing action.


Role in mental heath[]

References[]

  1. Day, Elizabeth 'God gene' discovered by scientist behind gay DNA theory. Telegraph. Telegraph Media Group Limited. URL accessed on 2007-04-08.
  2. Kluger, Jeffrey, Jeff Chu, Broward Liston, Maggie Sieger, Daniel Williams Is God in our genes?. TIME. Time Inc.. URL accessed on 2007-04-08.
  3. Little, Karley Y., David M. Krolewski, Lian Zhang, Bader J. Cassin (2003-01-01). Loss of striatal vesicular monoamine transporter protein (VMAT2) in human cocaine users. American journal of psychiatry 160: pp. 47-55. 10.1176/appi.ajp.160.1.47.

See also[]

External link[]


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