Serotonin Transporter: Difference between revisions
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<StructureSection load='2q6h' size='500' side='right' caption='Structure of the SERT Homologue LeuT, ([[2q6h]])' scene='Serotonin_Transporter/Opening/ | <StructureSection load='2q6h' size='500' side='right' caption='Structure of the SERT Homologue LeuT, ([[2q6h]])' scene='Serotonin_Transporter/Opening/2'> | ||
[[Serotonin Transporter]]'''s''' ('''SERTs''') are integral membrane proteins that transport serotonin from synaptic spaces into presynaptic neurons. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter which impacts a mammal’s perception of resource availability, regulates mood, and some cognitive functions like memory and learning. It is also converted into melatonin by [[Serotonin N-acetyltransferase]] to regulate sleep cycles. SERTs function by reuptaking serotonin in the synaptic cleft, effectively terminating the function of serotonin and halting neuronal transmission. Serotonin reuptake is a critical process to prevent overstimulation of nerves.<ref>PMID:10405096</ref> Inappropriately low levels of serotonin, either due to reduced production or overly active SERTs, can cause a number of psychiatric disorders. | [[Serotonin Transporter]]'''s''' ('''SERTs''') are integral membrane proteins that transport serotonin from synaptic spaces into presynaptic neurons. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter which impacts a mammal’s perception of resource availability, regulates mood, and some cognitive functions like memory and learning. It is also converted into melatonin by [[Serotonin N-acetyltransferase]] to regulate sleep cycles. SERTs function by reuptaking serotonin in the synaptic cleft, effectively terminating the function of serotonin and halting neuronal transmission. Serotonin reuptake is a critical process to prevent overstimulation of nerves.<ref>PMID:10405096</ref> Inappropriately low levels of serotonin, either due to reduced production or overly active SERTs, can cause a number of psychiatric disorders. | ||
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====Structure of SERTs==== | ====Structure of SERTs==== | ||
SERTs are members of the sodium-coupled transporter family. These proteins harness the pre-existing sodium gradients to catalyze the uptake of serotonin. Unfortunately, no high-resolution structure of a SERT has been solved. Instead a prokaryotic homolog of SERT, i.e. LeuT has been solved. LeuT shares significant sequence homology, especially for areas of the protein critical for function. The <scene name='Serotonin_Transporter/Helices/ | SERTs are members of the sodium-coupled transporter family. These proteins harness the pre-existing sodium gradients to catalyze the uptake of serotonin. Unfortunately, no high-resolution structure of a SERT has been solved. Instead a prokaryotic homolog of SERT, i.e. LeuT has been solved. LeuT shares significant sequence homology, especially for areas of the protein critical for function. The <scene name='Serotonin_Transporter/Helices/2'>overall structure of SERT</scene> is dominated by alpha helices. Serotonin passes through a <scene name='Serotonin_Transporter/Cavit/1'>central cavity</scene> upon reuptake. <scene name='Serotonin_Transporter/Sodium/1'>Sodium ions stabilize</scene> the serotonin bound structure before releasing serotonin within the presynaptic neuron. | ||
====Pharmaceutical Implications==== | ====Pharmaceutical Implications==== | ||