Trace amine-associated receptor 1 (Taar1)

Receptor for trace amines, including beta- phenylethylamine (b-PEA), p-tyramine (p-TYR), octopamine and tryptamine, with highest affinity for b-PEA and p-TYR. Unresponsive to classical biogenic amines, such as epinephrine and histamine and only partially activated by serotonin and dopamine.

Trace amines are biogenic amines present in very low levels in mammalian tissues. While some trace amines have clearly defined roles as neurotransmitters in invertebrates, the extent to which they function as true neurotransmitters in vertebrates has remained speculative.