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Updated: May 29, 2026
12:21
Thermostabilization, Expression, Purification, and Crystallization of the Human Serotonin Transporter Bound to S-citalopram
Published on: November 27, 2016
Natural and engineered coding variation in antidepressant-sensitive serotonin transporters.
1Department of Pharmacology, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232-8548, USA.
Neuroscience
|September 7, 2011
Summary
Genetic variations in the serotonin transporter (SERT) offer new insights into neuropsychiatric disorders and antidepressant action. Our research explores SERT
Area of Science:
- Neuroscience
- Pharmacology
- Genetics
Background:
- The presynaptic serotonin transporter (SERT) is crucial for regulating serotonin (5-HT) signaling.
- SERT is a primary target for antidepressants and psychostimulants.
- Genetic variations in SERT are key to understanding drug interactions and neuropsychiatric disorders.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review recent studies on genetic variations in SERT.
- To explore how these variations impact 5-HT signaling, drug response, and neuropsychiatric conditions.
- To present new models and theories on 5-HT's role in CNS and peripheral functions.
Main Methods:
- Identification of specific residues involved in SERT antagonist recognition.
- Creation of genetically modified mice lacking sensitivity to certain drugs.
- Analysis of functional coding variations in mouse SERT strains.
- Identification and functional characterization of SERT variants in individuals with autism.
Main Results:
- Development of mouse models lacking high-affinity antidepressant and cocaine sensitivity.
- Discovery of novel 5-HT-associated phenotypes linked to functional SERT coding variation.
- Identification of hyperactive SERT variants in subjects with autism.
Conclusions:
- Genetic studies of SERT provide novel insights into 5-HT signaling.
- Engineered and identified SERT variants create valuable models for studying neuropsychiatric disorders.
- These models can advance our understanding of 5-HT's contribution to disorder risk and treatment.
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