Figure 9.

Proposed model for the interaction between Kv2.1 and DAT. We hypothesize that in basal conditions some transporters are associated with Kv2.1 clusters. This association can be due either to a direct interaction with Kv2.1 or within a protein complex containing the cytoskeletal elements known to stabilize Kv2.1 clusters (“cytoskeletal fence”). DAT in Kv2.1 clusters is stabilized in an inward-facing conformation, resulting in decreased uptake. When activated, additional DAT molecules become ensnared at Kv2.1 clusters decreasing the canonical cell surface redistribution of transporters in response to transporter activation.