High impact information on Slc6a5

• The glycine transporter subtype 2 (GlyT2) is localized in the axon terminals of glycinergic neurons [1].
• Thus, postnatal GlyT2 function is crucial for efficient transmitter loading of synaptic vesicles in glycinergic nerve terminals, and the GlyT2 gene constitutes a candidate disease gene in human hyperekplexia patients [1].
• Two different glycine transporter genes, GlyT1 and GlyT2, have been described [2].
• In contrast, the second glycine transporter gene GlyT2 displayed a completely different expression pattern [2].
• On the subcellular level, GlyT2-EGFP fluorescence was colocalized extensively with glycine immunoreactivity in somata and dendrites and with both glycine and GlyT2 immunoreactivity in axon terminals, as shown by triple staining at all levels of the neuraxis, confirming the selective expression of the transgene in glycinergic neurons [3].

Biological context of Slc6a5

• GlyT2 is highly enriched at glycinergic nerve terminals, and Ca(2+)-triggered exocytosis and internalization are thought to regulate GlyT2 numbers in the pre-synaptic plasma membrane [4].
• Both GlyT1 and GlyT2 are essential for CNS function, as revealed by the lethal phenotypes of the respective knockout mice [4].

References