Serotonin Transporter (5-HT) / Single Project

Findings suggest that the serotonin transporter (5-HT) might be linked to both neuroticism and sexual behaviour as well as to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Here is represented a conceptualized structure of the molecule based on scientific findings.

A transporter protein found in the plasma membrane of serotonergic neurons is responsible for re-uptake of the transmitter. The serotonin transporter is a carrier of serotonin molecules across the biological membrane. Transporters undergo conformational changes and move one or more molecules per "cycle", unlike channels that stay open or closed, thus allowing floods of molecules to move across bilayers membranes.

The serotonin transporter (SERT) resembles other biogenic amine transporters (i.e. norepinephrine and dopamine transporters). The protein?s structure is composed of twelve transmembrane (TM) helices with an extracellular loop between TM helices 3 and 4. Both polypeptide termini are located within the cytoplasm and six putative phosphorylation sites (potential targets for protein kinase A and protein kinase C) exist in the same compartment. The areas important for selective serotonin (5-HT) affinity are localized within helices 1 through 3 and helices 8 through 12. A binding site for 5-HT is believed to also be the target of selective inhibitors.