Glycine transporter isoforms in the mammalian central nervous system: structures, functions and therapeutic promises.

The amino acid glycine (Gly) serves as a neurotransmitter at excitatory and inhibitory synapses in the mammalian central nervous system. Gly concentrations at post-synaptic neurotransmitter receptors are regulated by Na+/Cl(-)-dependent Gly transporters, which are expressed in neurons and in glial cells. Recent evidence suggests that these transporters are promising targets for the treatment of psychiatric and neurological disorders, such as schizophrenia and pain. Here, recent research on the structure, regulation and pharmacology of mammalian Gly transporters is reviewed.