What does SLC6A4 code for?
What is SLC6A4? The serotonin transporter, encoded by the SLC6A4 gene, is responsible for serotonin reuptake into the presynaptic neuron. While many antidepressants have some serotonin reuptake blocking activity, it is thought to be the major mechanism of action of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Table of Contents
Which gene is responsible for serotonin?
SLC6A4

The serotonin transporter (5-HTT), encoded by the serotonin transporter gene (SLC6A4), is a principle regulator of serotonergic neurotransmission and the active target of SSRIs [4]. Thus, the role of SLC6A4 and its (dys)regulation has been a major focus of depression research.
What is SERT expression?
SERT is transiently expressed in glutamatergic thalamic neurons projecting to sensory cortices and in pyramidal neurons in the prefrontal cortex (PFC) and hippocampus (HPC) during the period that lays down the basic functional neural circuits.
What is Zygosity heterozygous?
Heterozygous. A diploid organism is heterozygous at a gene locus when its cells contain two different alleles (one wild-type allele and one mutant allele) of a gene. The cell or organism is called a heterozygote specifically for the allele in question, and therefore, heterozygosity refers to a specific genotype.

How many serotonin transporters are there?
3 Serotonin transporters. SERT is inhibited by nearly all antidepressants to varying degrees. Inhibiting SERT increases the amount serotonin available in the synapse, which in turn leads to downstream cellular and molecular adaptations that are thought to mediate antidepressant’s efficacy.
What is serotonin hormone?
Serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), is a monoamine neurotransmitter. It also acts as a hormone. As a neurotransmitter, serotonin carries messages between nerve cells in your brain (your central nervous system) and throughout your body (your peripheral nervous system).
What is the psychopath gene called?
MAOA
Known as MAOA (monoamine oxidase A), this “warrior gene” controls the production of a protein that breaks down brain-signaling chemicals like dopamine, noradrenalin, and serotonin, which all influence mood. But the idea of a “psychopath” gene remains controversial.
What gene do psychopaths have?
Our results showed that expression levels of RPL109, ZNF132, CDH5, and OPRD1 genes in neurons explained 30–92% of the severity of psychopathy, and RPL109 expression was significantly associated with degree of psychopathy also in astrocytes.
Where is SERT expressed?
How does SERT work?
The serotonin transporter (SERT) terminates serotonin signaling by using sodium and chloride gradients to drive reuptake of serotonin into presynaptic neurons and is the target of widely used medications to treat neuropsychiatric disorders.
What are the three types of zygosity?
In diploid cells, the three possible zygosities for CRISPR-induced mutations are monoallelic, heterozygous diallelic, or homozygous diallelic.
How is zygosity diagnosed?
To determine zygosity we can use prenatal determination of fetal gender or blood typing and DNA analysis in the postnatal period (Hall, 2003; Ohm et al., 2006). Diagnosing chorionicity is possible using ultrasound markers including the number of placental sites, thickness of dividing membrane, and the lambda sign.
Where is the serotonin transporter located in the brain?
The serotonin transporter (5-HTT) is a 630 amino acid long receptor with 12 transmembrane domains [54–56] and is found in soma, dendrites, and terminals of serotonin-releasing neurons [57, 58]. Most 5-HTT are located on plasma cell membranes, mostly perisynaptically or along axons [57, 58].
How is serotonin transported to the brain?
SERT is a type of monoamine transporter protein that transports the neurotransmitter serotonin from the synaptic cleft back to the presynaptic neuron, in a process known as serotonin reuptake.
What is serotonin in love?
Serotonin. Love affects serotonin, a neurotransmitter primarily responsible for regulating behavior and mood. Interestingly, love’s impact on serotonin largely depends on gender. For men, serotonin levels decrease in response to a romantic relationship, while women experience a significant increase in serotonin.
What is the chemical that makes you happy?
When it comes to happiness, in particular, the primary signaling chemicals include: Serotonin. Dopamine. Endorphins.
What is the anger gene?
In 2010, scientists discovered the anger-causing gene HTR2B, which is responsible for impulsive and violent behavior in human beings. This gene affects the production and detection of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain.
What’s the warrior gene?
Monoamine oxidase A gene (MAOA) has earned the nickname “warrior gene” because it has been linked to aggression in observational and survey-based studies.
Is there an evil gene?
A 2002 study found that a particular variation of a gene predicted antisocial behavior in men who were mistreated as children. The gene controls whether we produce an enzyme called monoamine oxidase A (MAOA), which at low levels has been linked to aggression in mice.
What is the serial killer gene?
The show identifies the “serial killer gene” as MAOA, which is a real gene linked to high levels of aggression in its low-activity form. The CDH13, which is also referenced in the show, has also been linked to tendencies toward violent crime.
What type of receptor is SERT?
Serotonin transporters (5-HTT or SERT) and receptors (5-HT1–7) are located in the central, peripheral, and enteric nervous systems, and have been identified in several other peripheral tissues including bone.
What is the difference between SRI and SSRI?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are specific for the serotonin receptor, while SRIs can be nonselective and may inhibit the reuptake of other molecules such as norepinephrine and dopamine.
What happens if serotonin is blocked?
altered mental state, e.g. confusion, agitation, restlessness and excitement. autonomic dysfunction, e.g. tachycardia, sweating, shivering, hypertension and hyperthermia.
Why do antidepressants block serotonin?
How SSRIs work. SSRIs treat depression by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that carry signals between brain nerve cells (neurons). SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into neurons.
How is zygosity determined?
Scientists can determine the zygosity of twins by using a DNA sample from each twin to compare their genetic markers. Markers are well-studied sequences of DNA. A laboratory can analyze specific genetic markers that represent individual regions of DNA that may differ in fraternal twins.