Serotonin transporter

The serotonin transporter is a membrane protein that moves serotonin from the extracellular space into cells, including presynaptic neurons. By clearing serotonin from synapses, it helps regulate serotonergic signaling.

Serotonin: A monoamine neurotransmitter involved in mood, sleep, appetite, and other functions. It is the molecule the transporter binds and moves across the membrane.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor: A drug that inhibits serotonin reuptake, increasing serotonin availability outside cells. SSRIs bind the transporter and slow serotonin clearance.
Solomon H. Snyder: An American neuroscientist whose research helped establish molecular approaches to neurotransmitter receptors and transporters. His laboratory contributed to the pharmacological characterization of monoamine uptake systems.
Dopamine transporter: A membrane protein that clears dopamine from extracellular spaces by transporting it into cells. It is a closely related transporter with a different preferred neurotransmitter.
5-HTTLPR: A polymorphic region in the promoter of the human SLC6A4 gene. It has been studied as a source of variation in transporter expression.
Sodium–potassium pump: A membrane enzyme that uses ATP to move sodium out of cells and potassium into them. The ion gradients it maintains help power serotonin uptake.
Citalopram: An antidepressant medication that selectively inhibits the serotonin transporter. It is a widely used example of a transporter-blocking SSRI.
Randy D. Blakely: An American neuroscientist known for research on neurotransmitter transporters, including SERT. His work helped connect transporter structure and regulation to behavior and disease.
Norepinephrine transporter: A membrane protein that clears norepinephrine from extracellular spaces by transporting it into cells. Its parallel role highlights the division of labor among monoamine transporters.
Serotonin transporter knockout mouse: A genetically engineered mouse model lacking functional serotonin transporter expression. It reveals consequences of reduced serotonin reuptake in an animal model.

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