The dopamine transporter (DAT), a protein encoded by the SLC6A3 gene, is a critical regulator of dopaminergic signaling in the brain. It mediates the reuptake of extracellular dopamine into presynaptic neurons, terminating neurotransmission and maintaining dopamine homeostasis. Dysregulation of DAT function is implicated in neurological and psychiatric disorders, including Parkinson’s disease, attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), and substance use disorders. DAT antibodies are immunochemical tools designed to detect, quantify, and study the expression, localization, and trafficking of DAT in biological samples.
These antibodies are widely used in research applications such as Western blotting, immunohistochemistry (IHC), and immunofluorescence (IF) to investigate DAT alterations in disease models or under pharmacological interventions. For instance, reduced DAT levels in the striatum are a hallmark of Parkinson’s, while elevated DAT activity is linked to stimulant addiction. DAT antibodies also aid in studying the transporter’s interaction with therapeutic drugs or addictive substances.
Most DAT antibodies target specific epitopes on extracellular or intracellular domains, with monoclonal antibodies offering high specificity and polyclonal antibodies providing broader epitope recognition. Validation in knockout models or using blocking peptides is essential to confirm antibody specificity, as cross-reactivity with related transporters (e.g., serotonin or norepinephrine transporters) can yield false results. Despite challenges in standardization, DAT antibodies remain indispensable for advancing neuroscience research and drug development.