Over-expression of the Vglut2 gene in PD models has been proposed to serve a neuroprotective role (Dal Bo et al., 2004; Mendez et al., 2008; Steinkellner et al., 2018) while gene-knockout of Vglut2 in DA neurons significantly alters dopaminergic function, including neuronal survival, DA release, and reward-related behavior (Birgner et al., 2010; Hnasko et al., 2010; Stuber et al., 2010; Alsiö et al., 2011; Fortin et al., 2012; Wang et al., 2017; Papathanou et al., 2018). The gene discussed is SLC17A6; the disease is Parkinson disease.