Serotonin receptors

Serotonin, 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) is a monoamine neurotransmitter synthesized in serotonergic neurons and in enterochromaffin cells of the gastrointestinal tract.  Serotonin is one of the most ancient signaling molecules, and the serotonin receptor family is the largest neurotransmitter receptor family.  5-HT acts at serotonin receptors and a serotonin transporter, with 15 distinct subtypes of serotonin receptors known in seven groups (5-HT1-7). Except for 5-HT3, which forms a ligand-gated ion channel, most 5-HT receptors belong to the GPCR receptor superfamily.

Serotonin receptors modulate the release of many neurotransmitters, as well as many hormones.  Serotonin in the brain performs various neuropsychotic functions such as regulation of appetite, aggression, sleep, cognition, mood, pain, memory, emesis, sexual behaviour and sensory perception.   In the periphery, serotonin has a role in vasoconstriction, angiogenesis, osteoporosis, regulation of metabolic function and gastrointestinal and endocrine function.  Serotonergic dysfunction is implicated in many disease states such as depression, anxiety, schizophrenia and migraine.

Further reading

Nichols and Nichols (2008) Serotonin receptors. Chem Rev. 108(5) 1614 PMID: 18476671

Van Galen et al (2021) Serotonin, food intake, and obesity. Obes Rev. 22(7) e13210 PMID: 33559362

Karmakar and Lal  (2021) Role of serotonin receptor signaling in cancer cells and anti-tumor immunity. Theranostics 11(11) 5296 PMID: 33859748