HUMAN AND MOUSE DOPAMINE TRANSPORTER GENES - CONSERVATION OF 5'-FLANKING SEQUENCE ELEMENTS AND GENE STRUCTURES

Synaptic reaccumulation of the neurotransmitter dopamine is mediated b y the dopamine transporter (DAT), a member of the family of twelve tra nsmembrane domain, sodium- and chloride-dependent neurotransmitter tra nsporters. Several DAT features, including its exclusive expression in dopaminergic neurons, implication in cocaine action, and prominent ro le in the mechanisms of Parkinsonism-inducing neurotoxins, make unders tanding of the DAT gene of interest. Isolation and characterization of the human and mouse DAT genes has allowed elucidation of similarities between each and other members of this transporter gene family. Seque nces 5' to transcriptional start sites contain G-C rich, TATA-less, CA AT-less regions with striking conservation between human and mouse gen e flanking regions. These studies suggest sequence elements that are c andidates to contribute to the dopamine transporter's dopaminergic cel l-specific expression.