SLC18A3, also known as the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT), belongs to the family of vesicular monoamine transporters (VMATs). It is localized to the cell membranes in the peripheral and central cholinergic nervous systems and transports the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, which is synthesized by the enzyme choline acetyltransferase from the compounds choline and acetyl-CoA, into the synaptic secretory vesicles. The transport of acetylcholine occurs via a proton gradient established by vacuolar ATPase. In addition, the SLC18A3 gene is located within the first intron of the choline acetyltransferase gene, and protein kinase A appears to regulate transcription at this cholinergic gene locus.