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A Plate-Based Assay for the Measurement of Endogenous Monoamine Release in Acute Brain Slices
Published on: August 11, 2021
Serotonin transporter gene variants and behavior: a comprehensive review
Alessandro Serretti1, Raffaella Calati, Laura Mandelli
1Institute of Psychiatry, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy. alessandro.serretti@unibo.it
Current Drug Targets
|December 16, 2006
Summary
The serotonin transporter (SERT) gene influences many human behaviors and disorders. SERT gene variants are linked to anxiety, mood disorders, and other conditions, impacting personality and treatment response.
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Genetics
- Psychiatry
Background:
- The serotonin system is crucial for regulating mood, cognition, and behavior.
- The serotonin transporter (SERT) gene plays a key role in this system.
- SERT gene variants have been implicated in various human behaviors, both typical and atypical.
Purpose of the Study:
- To provide a comprehensive overview of human behavioral features influenced by SERT gene variants.
- To propose hypotheses regarding the mechanisms underlying these associations.
- To highlight the broad impact of SERT gene variations on psychological and psychiatric conditions.
Main Methods:
- Literature review and synthesis of existing research on SERT gene polymorphisms and behavioral phenotypes.
- Analysis of studies investigating the association between SERT gene variants, particularly the SERTPR insertion/deletion polymorphism, and various psychological traits and disorders.
Main Results:
- The SERTPR insertion/deletion polymorphism is associated with hippocampal volume and amygdala reactivity.
- This polymorphism influences anxiety-related personality traits and anxiety disorders.
- SERT variants show effects on mood disorder characteristics, including age at onset, recurrence, and response to antidepressants.
- Associations were found between SERT variants and psychosomatic disorders, suicide, substance abuse, eating disorders, ADHD, and autism.
Conclusions:
- SERT gene variants modulate a wide spectrum of human behaviors and psychiatric conditions.
- These effects likely stem from indirect correlations between SERT variants and various human features.
- Further research is needed to fully elucidate the complex interplay between SERT genetics and behavior.
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