What is the biosynthesis of serotonin?

Serotonin is synthesized from the amino acid L-tryptophan via a short metabolic pathway that involves two major enzymes. These enzymes are: Tryptophan hydroxylase (TPH) Amino acid decarboxylase.

What is the pathway origin and projections of serotonin?

Two distinct ascending projections arise from the rostral serotonergic system. The two main ascending serotonergic pathways emerging from the midbrain raphe nuclei to the forebrain are the dorsal periventricular path and the ventral tegmental radiations.

Are serotonin levels genetic?

Furthermore, though genetic variants that cause variable levels of CNS serotonin during brain development have been shown to regulate the response to early stressful life events, these aversive stimuli, irrespectively of genetic background, also seem to affect postnatal brain development.

Does the MAOA gene affect serotonin?

Monoamine oxidase A deficiency The MAOA gene mutations reduce monoamine oxidase A activity, which causes serotonin and other neurotransmitters to build up in the brain.

What neuron is serotonin synthesized?

Serotonergic neurons
Serotonergic neurons and enterochromaffin cells can synthesize serotonin from its precursor amino acid L-tryptophan, whereas platelets rely upon uptake of serotonin for their stores.

What are the serotonin pathways responsible for?

Serotonin pathways are involved in the regulation of prolactin secretion. Amenorrhea, galactorrhea, and hyperprolactinemia have been reported in a patient taking SSRIs.

What does the serotonin transporter gene do?

Function. The serotonin transporter removes serotonin from the synaptic cleft back into the synaptic boutons. Thus, it terminates the effects of serotonin and simultaneously enables its reuse by the presynaptic neuron. Neurons communicate by using chemical messengers like serotonin between cells.

What is the role of serotonin?

Serotonin is a chemical that carries messages between nerve cells in the brain and throughout your body. Serotonin plays a key role in such body functions as mood, sleep, digestion, nausea, wound healing, bone health, blood clotting and sexual desire.

What genes produce serotonin?

The gene that encodes the serotonin transporter is called solute carrier family 6 (neurotransmitter transporter, serotonin), member 4 (SLC6A4, see Solute carrier family). In humans the gene is found on chromosome 17 on location 17q11.

What genes affect serotonin?

The gene most commonly associated with depression is the serotonin transporter gene SLC6A4 (Bleys et al., 2018). Serotonin is a neurotransmitter affecting multiple physiological processes and cognitive brain functions, among them mood and emotions, which is why it has been linked to mood disorders such as depression.