Role of 5-HT_1A and 5-HT₇ Receptors in Memory Regulation and the Importance of Their Coexpression: A Systematic Review

The 5-HT_1A and 5-HT₇ receptors play a key role in regulating cognitive processes and have been widely linked to the pathophysiology of depression, anxiety, and schizophrenia-disorders often associated with memory impairment. Recently, interest has grown in understanding how the coexpression of these receptors contributes to cognitive decline. This review explores the individual roles of 5-HT_1A and 5-HT₇ receptors, as well as their coexpression, in memory regulation. The heterodimerization of these receptors at both pre- and postsynaptic levels, along with their colocalization in serotonergic, glutamatergic, GABAergic, and dopaminergic neurons, adds to the complexity of this interaction and may help explain the paradoxical effects of selective serotonergic drugs (agonists and antagonists). These findings underscore the need for further research into the 5-HT_1A and 5-HT₇ receptor relationship in cognitive decline through diverse approaches, including targeted gene silencing, electrophysiology, and cell culture studies.