Background
We have previously shown that a highly conserved threonine at position 81, in the amino terminus of SERT, plays a key role in SERT function, by driving the transporter into a state that supports amphetamine-induced efflux [1]. Truncation of the first 64 amino acids or tethering the N-terminus to an additional transmembrane helix both abolish amphetamine-induced efflux by SERT [1].