Human high affinity choline transporter (CHT) cDNA was cloned from spinal cord and the primary structure and chromosomal localization have been determined. Mouse high affinity CHT cDNA was also cloned and characterized. An isolated polynucleotide, an isolated polypeptide, a recombinant host cell, a recombinant vector, a purified protein, an antibody, a nucleic acid detection kit, a method for screening cholinergic therapeutics, a method of treating a patient, a method of gene therapy and transgenic CHT mice are discussed.