Identification and characterisation of serotonin transporter interacting proteins

Abstract

The serotonin transporter (SERT) is an integral plasma membrane protein that mediates the high-affinity re-uptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin from the synaptic space. SERT is of particular clinical and phannacological interest as it has been implicated in a variety of neuropsychiatric disorders as well as several dysfunctions in the periphery. It is the primary target for a number of widely prescribed antidepressants and is also the site of action for drugs of abuse. By regulating the concentration of serotonin in extracellular fluids SERT plays a key role in modulating serotonergic neurotransmission. The control of SERT activity via intrinsic and trafficking mediated events is therefore central to the spatial and temporal regulation of synaptic serotonin levels. SERT and related transporters are thought to be regulated through association with a number of signalling and structural proteins.