Trace amine-associated receptor 1 modulation of dopamine system

Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (TAAR1) is a G-protein-coupled receptor belonging to the TAAR family. Discovered in 2001, TAARs have been found in several tissues, ranging from the central nervous system to the olfactory epithelium. The best-studied receptor, TAAR1, is activated by a class of endogenous compounds named trace amines (TAs). TAs are structurally related to classic monoaminergic neurotransmitters and found at low concentrations in the mammalian brain. Although TA levels have been associated with many neuropsychiatric disorders, only the discovery of TAAR1 validated their physiological role. TAAR1 can modulate monoamine neurotransmission and, in particular, the dopamine system. Several studies have demonstrated that TAAR1 knockout mice display a supersensitive dopaminergic system, while activation of TAAR1 can reduce dopaminergic hyperactivity. For these reasons, TAAR1 has been proposed as a novel therapeutic target for neuropsychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and addiction.